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 benefit 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. The Veteran's countable income did not exceed the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR), thus preventing an increase in his monthly benefit payment.
- Claimed conditions
- Not specified in this decision
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 10, 2019
- Citation
- 19102741
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.
What you can do next
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.