The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance was granted effective March 2, 2011. The disabilities causing this need (cauda equina syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome status post laminectomy) were already service-connected prior to this decision.
The deciding factor: The disabilities causing the Veteran's need for aid and attendance (cauda equina syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome status post laminectomy) had been previously service-connected, thus warranting compensation based on their severity rather than a new claim for aid and attendance.
- Claimed conditions
- cauda equina syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome status post laminectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- October 28, 2015
- Citation
- 1545842
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 1545842.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbosacral degenerative disc disease with spinal fusion and cauda equina syndrome due to outstanding federal records from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Social Security Administration (SSA).
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including the lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, shoulder disorders, cauda equina syndrome, neurogenic bowel disorder, erectile dysfunction, and various radiculopathies. The dental disorder and left ankle disorder were dismissed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional evidentiary development, including obtaining an independent medical opinion and VA treatment records from multiple facilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion and outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran's back disability is being reviewed for possible aggravation by VA treatment, including a delay in surgery from approximately 2003 to 2006.
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