The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his TDIU and DEA benefits, left him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board found that he met the criteria for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.
The deciding factor: The Veteran required assistance with all ADLs except eating due to his service-connected disabilities, which rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance.
- Claimed conditions
- dyshydrosis blisters over the body, bilateral hearing loss, osteoarthritis, inflammatory and generalized, tinnitus, post traumatic arthritis, left wrist, post traumatic arthritis, right wrist, post traumatic arthritis, left knee, fracture, left clavicle, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), right shoulder strain secondary to fracture, left clavicle associated with fracture, left clavicle, right knee sprain due to post traumatic arthritis, left knee associated with post traumatic arthritis, left knee, limitation of extension of right knee, limitation of extension of left knee, fracture, right fifth finger
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 80%
- Decision date
- February 2, 2017
- Citation
- 1702966
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 1702966.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
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