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Denied

The Veteran's widow is seeking an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance, which was granted from August 5, 2010. The Board found that the effective date should be August 5, 2010 as it was factually ascertainable at that time that the Veteran was entitled to SMC.

The deciding factor: The RO assigned an effective date of August 5, 2010 based on the date entitlement arose (full hospice care), and this date was within one year prior to the date the formal claim for benefits was received (August 27, 2010).

Claimed conditions
adenocarcinoma of the colon with metastasis to lymph nodes, liver, lung, left adrenal gland, and right kidney
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
50%
Decision date
August 29, 2018
Citation
18130656

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 18130656.

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.

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