The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar disability necessitated the need for regular aid and attendance, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar disability alone required full-time care due to significant functional impairment affecting his ability to perform daily activities.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracolumbar disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 26, 2019
- Citation
- 19175013
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 19175013.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine (neck) disability, left shoulder disability, and migraines are granted service connection. The thoracolumbar and bilateral elbow disabilities are remanded for further examination.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of entitlement to service connection for a cervical spine disability and thoracolumbar disability, as well as entitlement to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) under 38 U.S.C. §1318, for further development.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a thoracolumbar disability has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his claim by his authorized representative.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left ankle, right ankle, left foot, and right foot disabilities due to incomplete records. The thoracolumbar disability claim is denied as there is no clear and unmistakable evidence that it was aggravated during service.
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