The Veteran's claim for a higher level of special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance is being remanded due to changes in his condition since the last examination, which may indicate a need for additional care.
The deciding factor: Changes in the Veteran's condition have been noted, including worsening of service-connected conditions such as left shoulder problems and sarcoma. These changes suggest a possible need for higher level care without which he would require institutionalization.
- Claimed conditions
- fragment wound, lower extremities, right below knee amputation, left above knee amputation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 7, 2014
- Citation
- 1444617
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 1444617.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, COPD, diabetes mellitus type II, diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, OSA, left and right below knee amputations, bilateral lower extremity scars, and CAD as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.
- Granted
The Board has granted effective dates of January 7, 2016 for the awards of service connection for various conditions including diabetes mellitus and its manifestations, kidney failure, bilateral lower extremity amputations, and CHF.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's right below knee amputation was granted compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, but his claim for right foot pain (callous) was denied as it did not result in an additional disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left above knee amputation, its relation to his service-connected residuals of left knee replacement, and whether he requires aid and attendance.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.