The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for his daily needs, requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board finds SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is warranted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (specifically bilateral knee disorders) prevent him from dressing himself or keeping himself clean without the regular aid and attendance of another person.
- Claimed conditions
- major depressive disorder, low back strain, degenerative arthritis of the left knee, right hip strain with limited flexion, left hip strain with limited flexion, status post left total knee arthroplasty, left hip strain with limited abduction and adduction, right hip strain with limited abduction and adduction, degenerative joint disease of the right knee, left hip strain with limited extension, right hip strain with limited extension
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- September 25, 2017
- Citation
- 1741948
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 1741948.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for specially-adapted housing assistance and a special home adaptation grant was denied because he does not meet the criteria for either benefit based on his service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew all his appeals, including the one for an increased rating for low back strain.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.