The Veteran is granted a higher rate of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to loss of use of both hands, resulting from service-connected peripheral neuropathy in the upper extremities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's loss of use of both hands was determined based on his service-connected peripheral neuropathy, which resulted in severe incomplete paralysis of the radial, median, and ulnar nerves. The need for aid and attendance is based on a separate disability from the right foot amputation.
- Claimed conditions
- Coronary Artery Disease with Chest Pains, Below the Knee Amputation of the Right Leg, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Upper Right Extremity, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Left Upper Extremity, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Left Lower Extremity, Diabetes Mellitus Type II, Painful Neuroma Associated with Right Leg Amputation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- October 11, 2018
- Citation
- 18141643
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 18141643.
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 Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II (DMII) as due to herbicide agent exposure, finding that he has not been diagnosed with DMII at any point during the period on appeal.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, and various peripheral neuropathies have been granted increased ratings. Effective August 16, 2023, the Veteran is now eligible for a TDIU rating and DEA benefits.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted, with effective dates set at October 18, 2023. The lumbosacral strain has also received a higher initial rating.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment from March 29, 2012, to April 23, 2025. The Board granted a TDIU during this period.
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