The Board found that the veteran does not have anatomical loss or use of either foot due to service-connected disability, nor is functioning of either foot shown to be so limited by a service-connected condition as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. Therefore, his claims for SMC and specially adapted housing were denied.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected conditions do not result in loss of use of either foot due to service-connected disability, nor does functioning of either foot meet the criteria for an award of SMC based on anatomical loss or use of both feet.
- Claimed conditions
- post-traumatic stress disorder, cold injury residuals of the right upper extremity, cold injury residuals of the left upper extremity, cold injury residuals of the right lower extremity, cold injury residuals of the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 1, 2006
- Citation
- 0605893
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for post-traumatic stress disorder to provide her with another opportunity to attend a new VA mental health examination.
- Granted
The Board grants the appeal in full, granting service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.