The Veteran is in receipt of SMC based on the need for aid and attendance, effective January 27, 2012. The Board found that prior to August 11, 2014, his service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for an enhanced/higher level of SMC.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for an enhanced/higher level of SMC as he was not in need of higher levels of care due to his service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- ALS with associated symptoms, GERD, IBS, peritoneal adhesions with a history of chronic gastritis and gastroparesis, degenerative joint disease (DJD) status post pelvic fracture, right hip, degenerative joint disease (DJD) status post pelvic fracture, left hip
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 4, 2015
- Citation
- 1538008
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 1538008.
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
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA opinion and a need for further examination.
- Whole decision: Granted
A 30 percent rating for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is granted, and service connection for hypertension is denied.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is granted, and the appeal to restore a 40% rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc other than IVDS, central canal stenosis, and scoliosis prior to June 1, 2024 is dismissed.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as there is no current diagnosis of IBS or symptoms at any time during the pendency of the claim.
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