The veteran's claim for a higher rating for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the 'o-rate', based on the loss of use of both hands, was denied due to his failure to report for a required VA examination without good cause.
The deciding factor: The veteran failed to report for a scheduled VA examination and did not provide good cause for this failure, which is necessary to establish entitlement to a higher SMC rating based on the facts of this case.
- Claimed conditions
- multiple sclerosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 10, 2008
- Citation
- 0811953
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.
- Partly granted
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 multiple sclerosis, finding that the condition initially manifested within seven years of discharge from active service.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple sclerosis, finding that the evidence is in equipoise and at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's service.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for multiple sclerosis has been dismissed as the benefit sought on appeal has been granted in full.
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.