The Board denied the Veteran's claims for SMC based on need for aid and attendance/housebound, earlier effective date for SMC based on need for aid and attendance, increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The RO acknowledged the Veteran's report of needing help with dressing, bathing, and buttoning clothes.
The deciding factor: The February 2006 rating decision incorrectly applied 38 C.F.R. § 3.352(a) when it denied SMC based on a need for aid and attendance/housebound.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Cervical Spine, Chronic Low Back Condition with Degenerative Changes, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Right and Left Upper Extremities, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Right and Left Lower Extremities, Peripheral Vascular Disease of the Right and Left Lower Extremities, Diabetes Mellitus, Status Post Amputation of the Right Great Toe Associated with Diabetes Mellitus, Herpes Progenitalis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 11, 2014
- Citation
- 1416237
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 1416237.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's appeal was granted for various disabilities, including service connection for depressive disorder and increased evaluations for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting multiple nerve groups. A SMC based on need for aid and attendance was also awarded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of these conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's initial PCAFC application was granted in December 2022, effective from December 21, 2022. The Board found that the criteria for eligibility were met since his initial application in December 2020.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's TDIU and DEA were granted effective July 18, 2020. The case involves the Veteran's service-connected disabilities including PTSD, OSA, diabetes, cataracts, neuropathy, and other conditions.
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