The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of the voice is being remanded due to inadequate examination and potential new evidence.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner did not provide a clear opinion regarding whether the Veteran has complete organic aphonia with constant inability to communicate by speech, as required for SMC at level 10 under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1114(k).
- Claimed conditions
- aphonia/dysarthria/aphasia, cerebrovascular accident with transient ischemic attacks and paresis of the right side of the tongue (cranial nerves 9 and 12)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 3, 2015
- Citation
- 1504903
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1504903.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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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