The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance is granted, as the evidence shows he requires regular aid and assistance due to his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's claim for restoration of a 50 percent rating for bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis with heel spurs from February 22, 2018 is granted, as the reduction was improper based on the evidence showing no actual improvement in his disability.,The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation for loss of use of the right hand is remanded due to a potential misinterpretation of the regulations.
The deciding factor: The medical records show that the Veteran requires regular aid and assistance, particularly during shower time and when managing his environment.,The reduction in rating was improper as there was no actual improvement in the Veteran's disability under ordinary conditions of life and work.,Special monthly compensation for loss of use of the right hand is not applicable due to a potential misinterpretation of the regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis with heel spurs, right shoulder disability, PTSD
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 29, 2020
- Citation
- 20063732
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 20063732.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right shoulder disability and migraines/chronic headaches are remanded for additional development due to insufficient opinions on the etiology of her conditions.
- Granted
The Board of Veterans' Appeals has granted service connection for PTSD and Mood Disorders, both presumed conditions under the PACT Act.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was granted with an initial evaluation of 50 percent, effective September 24, 2007. The appeal regarding the heart condition and sleep disorder is denied. The Veteran's hearing loss prior to August 24, 2015, warrants a 20 percent rating.
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