The Veteran's SMC claim is denied as he does not meet the criteria for aid and attendance or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities, with the need for regular aid and assistance primarily attributed to non-service-connected cognitive impairments.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s service-connected diabetes mellitus, Type II, peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, otitis externa, dermatitis do not result in severe impairment with activities of daily living. The July 2019 VA SMC examination report is highly probative and indicates that the need for regular aid and attendance is primarily due to non-service-connected cognitive impairments.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"diabetes mellitus, Type II","rating":20}, {"condition_name":"diabetic peripheral neuropathy right lower extremity","rating":20}, {"condition_name":"diabetic peripheral neuropathy left lower extremity","rating":20}, {"condition_name":"otitis externa","rating":10}, {"condition_name":"dermatitis","rating":10}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- October 16, 2020
- Citation
- A20015650
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
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