The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation (SMC) is denied as he does not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance due to non-service connected right lung adenocarcinoma. The preponderance of evidence shows that his need for additional care is due to lung cancer, which is not service-connected.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's need for additional care is primarily attributed to his non-service connected right lung adenocarcinoma and does not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.
- Claimed conditions
- left median nerve palsy, dysthymia associated with left median nerve palsy secondary to venus malformation with postoperative residuals of a neuroma, tinnitus, high frequency hearing loss of the left ear, hemorrhoids
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 20, 2017
- Citation
- 1747017
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 1747017.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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 hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran experienced tinnitus during his active duty service.
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