The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been found to meet the criteria for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance, as he requires regular assistance due to his cognitive impairments and physical limitations. The decision also notes that the Veteran does not qualify for SMC T (Special Monthly Compensation for Traumatic Brain Injury).
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate a need for regular aid and attendance based on documented medical evidence of his cognitive and physical impairments.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bilateral Pes Planus, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with Post Concussive Vertigo, Chronic Thoracolumbar Spine Condition, Bilateral Radiculopathy of Lower Extremities, Chronic Maxillary Sinusitis, Skin Rash, Bilateral Hip Piriformis Muscle Strain, Right Shoulder Bicipital Tendinitis, Left Foot Morton's Neuroma, Post Concussive Vertigo associated with PTSD, Tinnitus, Bilateral Foot Hallux Valgus, Bilateral Hearing Loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- January 10, 2020
- Citation
- 20002466
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to in-service noise exposure.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, entitlement to TDIU, and SMC based on housebound status.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an effective date of May 17, 2019, for a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD but denied earlier effective dates for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Partly granted
The Board granted readjudication of previously denied claims for service connection for PTSD and COPD, while remanding other issues including entitlement to service connection for an eye disorder, hypertension, tinnitus, a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, TDIU, and an initial rating for PTSD.
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