The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause him to be in need of regular aid and attendance of another person, which meets the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance. The claim for SMC at the housebound rate prior to January 26, 2012 is moot as SMC at the aid and attendance rate is greater.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause him to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his psychiatric depression, severe back pain, mobility problems, and inability to ambulate without assistance.
- Claimed conditions
- mood disorder with major depressive features, degenerative disc disease with left lower extremity radiculopathy and neuropathy, left foot fracture
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- July 23, 2014
- Citation
- 1432949
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 1432949.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of any current left foot disability, including a fracture and calcaneal spur. The Veteran's claim for service connection is being reviewed again.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's left foot disability is rated at 20 percent, effective February 15, 2020. The Veteran's lumbosacral strain remains at a 10 percent rating. The Veteran's PTSD claim has been remanded for further review.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the left foot fracture claim, and the Board has dismissed it.
- Denied
The Board denied earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for a right ankle strain, acne with scars, left foot fracture, right knee tendinopathy, left knee strain, and tinnitus as the first communication from the Veteran to VA evidencing his intent to file claims for these conditions was received on December 5, 2023.
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