The Board denied the appellant's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of the feet, finding that the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities did not cause a loss of use of his lower extremities.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed fluctuating mobility issues but overall ability to stand and walk with assistance, which was considered sufficient for effective function remaining other than an amputation below the knee with prosthetic devices.
- Claimed conditions
- Parkinson's disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20070685
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The appeal seeking entitlement to service connection for Parkinson's disease was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for Parkinson's disease, which is presumed to have been incurred in active service due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of August 25, 2016 for the award of service connection for Parkinson's disease.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for Parkinson's disease as the evidence did not support a finding that it began during or is otherwise related to active service.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.