The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities, including multiple sclerosis and dementia, have resulted in a level of incapacity consistent with loss of use of both feet. Therefore, SMC based on loss of use of both feet is granted.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows severe incoordination and motion in the veteran's lower extremities, requiring continuous use of assistive devices such as a cane and wheelchair or the aid of another person to get around, which is tantamount to 'loss of use' of his feet.
- Claimed conditions
- multiple sclerosis, dementia, impairment of rectal and anal sphincter control, bladder impairment, right lower extremity weakness associated with multiple sclerosis, dementia, left lower extremity weakness, left upper extremity weakness, headaches associated with multiple sclerosis, dementia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 25, 2004
- Citation
- 0416796
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0416796.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Board granted service connection for tinea pedis and dismissed the claims for tinnitus, multiple sclerosis, neck condition, and low back condition.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for dementia, finding that it was aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected hearing loss disability.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple sclerosis, finding that the condition initially manifested within seven years of discharge from active service.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for myasthenia gravis with ptosis and remanded the ratings for avascular necrosis, hip flexion limitations, and lower extremity weakness.
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