The Veteran's service-connected chronic bronchitis with COPD requires the care and assistance of another person on a regular basis, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected respiratory disability necessitates ongoing medication therapy and hands-on assistance to administer his medications, including nebulizer treatments. His COPD symptoms affect his ability to perform daily activities independently.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Bronchitis with COPD
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- November 17, 2014
- Citation
- 1450851
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 1450851.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to Military Sexual Trauma was dismissed. A 100% evaluation is granted from April 8, 2021, forward, for his service-connected chronic bronchitis with COPD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected chronic bronchitis with COPD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an updated examination.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic bronchitis with COPD, frostbite injuries to both feet, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, left hip arthritis, and bilateral hearing loss were granted effective September 27, 2002. His claim for tinnitus was granted effective August 17, 2006.
- Granted
The veteran's chronic bronchitis with COPD is currently manifested by severe pulmonary emphysema, but does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under either the old or new rating criteria.
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.