The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance was denied as he did not meet the criteria due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that the Veteran required regular aid and attendance due to a non-service-connected condition (metastatic lung cancer).
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone were insufficient to render him in need of regular aid and attendance, as he was also suffering from metastatic lung cancer which is not service-connected.
- Claimed conditions
- metastatic lung cancer
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 4, 2010
- Citation
- 1000066
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 1000066.
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 service connection claims for various cancers and eye conditions due to an alleged failure to properly investigate toxic exposures during service, including at Fort Wainwright.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death to obtain additional evidence and a medical opinion.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating and earlier effective dates for service connection of colon cancer and metastatic lung cancer, as the evidence did not support an earlier date than August 10, 2022.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's cause of death is related to asbestos exposure during service. The issues are also inextricably intertwined with the issue of additional burial benefits.
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.