The Veteran's service-connected traumatic subluxation of the cervical spine results in paralysis of both lower extremities together with loss of anal and bladder sphincter control, warranting special monthly compensation at the (o) rate.
The deciding factor: The Veteran has paralysis of both lower extremities together with loss of anal and bladder sphincter control, which entitles him to SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o).
- Claimed conditions
- paralysis of both lower extremities, loss of anal and bladder sphincter control
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 16, 2017
- Citation
- 1752505
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 1752505.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted an initial 100 percent rating for bowel incontinence and SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o) due to loss of use of both legs, bladder dysfunction, and neurogenic bowel incontinence.
- Denied
The Board found that the overpayment of VA special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance was solely due to administrative error by VA, thus not properly created. The Veteran's actions did not contribute to the creation of the debt.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance did not arise prior to March 23, 1998, based on medical records indicating he required assistance with daily activities from at least 1984.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the veteran is entitled to an effective date of May 8, 1997 for SMC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(r)(1) and 38 C.F.R. § 3.350(h), based on his entitlement to aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.
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.