The Veteran's claim for a higher rate of SMC based on need for aid and attendance is denied as the disability requiring such assistance is due to his service-connected residuals of poliomyelitis, not separate disabilities.
The deciding factor: The loss of use of both feet from poliomyelitis is the primary factor in determining eligibility for higher SMC rates, and other conditions do not meet the criteria for additional benefits under § 1114(o).
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of poliomyelitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, right hand (dominant), carpal tunnel syndrome, left hand (nondominant), chronic tendinopathy right shoulder (dominant), recurrent low back strain and degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 21, 2010
- Citation
- 1022942
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 1022942.
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 claim for a left upper extremity condition, claimed as a left shoulder condition, to schedule a VA examination and obtain an opinion on whether the condition is related to service.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a right wrist condition, to include carpal tunnel syndrome, based on the Veteran's credible reports of pain and weakness since service.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including fatigue, bilateral eye disability, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, GERD, penile condition, left foot disability, and others. Some claims were remanded for further development.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for pseudofolliculitis barbae and granted a 20 percent rating for left and right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, while denying service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, insomnia, neck strain, shoulder strain, and sleep apnea.
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