The Board has dismissed the appeal for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance as there is no longer a controversy regarding this benefit. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, was denied by the Board in July 2020.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance has been granted, rendering the appeal moot.
- Claimed conditions
- Depression
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 9, 2020
- Citation
- 20065871
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A dismissal means the Board did not decide the issue on its merits — usually because it was withdrawn or had become moot.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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple myeloma, back disability (secondary to multiple myeloma), and depression, with an effective date of January 26, 2021. The decision also remanded claims related to breast cancer, DEA benefits, and initial ratings.
- Denied
The veteran's bad conduct discharge precludes eligibility for VA benefits, including compensation and healthcare.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and personality disorder, due to the need for further development of the record.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the death of the Appellant during its pendency.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.