The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not result in a need for aid and attendance, as his physical conditions are the primary cause of his need for assistance.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s service-connected PTSD has resulted in social difficulties but does not meet the criteria for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to his non-service connected physical conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, spinal stenosis, knee replacements, and heart condition.
- Claimed conditions
- posttraumatic stress disorder, residual paresis of the left submental nerve, status post mucosal removal, varicocelectomy residuals
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 11, 2019
- Citation
- 19103225
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The appeal for a temporary total evaluation because of hospital treatment in excess of 21 days for service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder was withdrawn by the Veteran's representative and is therefore dismissed.
- Granted
The Board granted an increased (Level 2) stipend in the PCAFC for the Veteran's caregiver due to the need for continuous supervision and protection based on the Veteran's medical conditions.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status due to her service-connected disabilities not meeting the criteria.
- Dismissed
The appeal of the proposed effective date for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder was dismissed as a matter of law.
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