The appellant was not permanently incapable of self-support by reason of mental or physical defect at the age of 18, and therefore does not meet the criteria for DIC benefits as a helpless child.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the appellant had ADHD and learning disabilities prior to his eighteenth birthday but was able to graduate from high school with accommodations and pursue higher education. His subsequent psychiatric disability did not render him permanently incapable of self-support at age 18.
- Claimed conditions
- ADHD, learning disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 11, 2016
- Citation
- 1605311
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 1605311.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
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The Veteran's adult child, R.F., is not considered permanently incapable of self-support prior to turning 18 years old and thus does not meet the criteria for survivor benefits.
- Remanded (sent back)
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- Granted
The Veteran's delimiting date for Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits was extended from January 23, 2015, to March 26, 2018, due to his mental health conditions preventing him from attending school.
- Denied
The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression due to his discharge under 'other than honorable' conditions.
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