The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 18, 2016, for the award of special monthly pension benefits based on the need for aid and attendance was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of an informal claim or any other correspondence received prior to May 18, 2016, which could be construed as a claim for such benefits.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rate of pay for disability pension benefits based on the need for aid and attendance was denied. The Board found that his countable income did not exceed the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR), thus preventing an increase in his monthly payment.
The deciding factor: There is no evidence of an informal claim or any other correspondence received prior to May 18, 2016, which could be construed as a claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance. Therefore, the earliest possible effective date for such benefits was May 18, 2016.,The Veteran's countable income did not exceed the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR), thus preventing an increase in his monthly payment.
- Claimed conditions
- Not specified in this decision
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 10, 2019
- Citation
- 19102741
Veterans Law Judge
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 19102741.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
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