The Veteran does not qualify for SMC in excess of the (n) rate due to lack of service-connected disabilities involving either upper extremity, lower extremities, visual impairment, hearing impairment, or loss of sphincter control. He is permanently bedridden and helpless as per his service-connected conditions.
The deciding factor: The Veteran does not have any service-connected disabilities that qualify him for SMC in excess of the (n) rate based on anatomical loss or use with respect to hands, arms, feet, legs, visual impairment, hearing impairment, or sphincter control. He is permanently bedridden and helpless as per his service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Malaria, Shell fragment wound scar on the sole of left foot, Diabetes mellitus, Dysarthria, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 6, 2017
- Citation
- 1756318
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 1756318.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has identified a contradiction in the AOJ's determinations regarding the Veteran's need for aid and assistance, which requires clarification. The remanded issues are entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another and on the basis of statutory housebound status.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of ambulance travel expenses incurred on June 17, 2025 due to an emergency heart attack. The ambulance service was provided by a volunteer organization and later intercepted by a higher-tier EMT company.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased rating and earlier effective date for PTSD have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeal.
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