The Veteran's claim for a higher rate of SMC, for purposes of accrued benefits, was denied as the evidence did not support an assignment of an SMC rate in excess of the M-rate.
The deciding factor: The Veteran had received the maximum SMC rating under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(o) or (p), and no additional need for regular aid and attendance was demonstrated to warrant a higher level of care.
- Claimed conditions
- End Stage Renal Disease, Right Hand Arthropathy and Amyloidosis, Left Hand Arthropathy and Amyloidosis, Right Hip Necrosis, Bilateral Cataracts, Left Hip Necrosis, Osteoporosis of the Toes and Ribs, Peritonitis, Peripheral Neuropathy with Right Foot Drop, Porphyria Cutanea Tarda, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome of the Left Hand, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome of the Right Hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 31, 2012
- Citation
- 1230176
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1230176.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
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- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that end stage renal disease was at least as likely as not due to active service.
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