The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance or permanently housebound by reason of his service-connected disabilities, thus the criteria for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance were not met.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not show that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to perform basic activities of daily living or required regular assistance from another person.
- Claimed conditions
- low back pain with degenerative disc disease, gunshot wound to the left wrist with ulnar nerve paralysis, gunshot wound to the left hip, gunshot wound to the left lower leg, gunshot wound to the right lower leg, gunshot wound to the right thigh, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), gunshot wound scar on the scrotum
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 21, 2015
- Citation
- 1531069
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 1531069.
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
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The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
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The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
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