The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were dismissed as he withdrew them. The Board also granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, effective from July 17, 2018.
The deciding factor: The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings, so they were dismissed. He was found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected psychiatric disorder, which required assistance with various daily activities.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spondylosis with chronic muscle strain of the left neck, Residuals of left elbow fracture with incomplete paralysis of the ulnar nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20007732
What this means for you
A dismissal means the Board did not decide the issue on its merits — usually because it was withdrawn or had become moot. It says more about procedure than about whether a claim like this can win.
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 obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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