The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is denied because his impairment does not meet the criteria due to non-service-connected conditions. The Board found that he has service-connected schizophrenia, but other conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis are not related to service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's need for aid and attendance is primarily due to non-service-connected bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, which does not meet the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.
- Claimed conditions
- schizophrenia, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 25, 2019
- Citation
- 19181242
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the appeal to obtain a VA medical opinion that considers the Veteran's contentions of in-service training with heavy gear and equipment.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, hypertension, and various musculoskeletal and skin disabilities.
- Partly granted
The appeal for service connection for fibromyalgia was granted with an effective date of August 14, 2023. The appeals for earlier effective dates and higher ratings were denied.
- Dismissed
The appeals for service connection for various conditions were dismissed due to the Veteran's death.
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