The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, peripheral artery disease of the bilateral lower extremities, and bilateral hearing loss, rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his inability to dress or undress himself, keep himself clean and presentable, adjust prosthetic appliances, feed himself through coordination issues, attend to the wants of nature, or protect himself from hazards. The Board granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance prior to July 30, 2019.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused him to require assistance with eating, dressing, bathing, grooming, and ambulating, which were necessary due to his poor balance and difficulty standing or walking. The Board found that the impairments were primarily due to his coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes mellitus.
- Claimed conditions
- coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, chronic kidney disease, peripheral artery disease of the bilateral lower extremities
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- November 18, 2020
- Citation
- 20073803
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The appeal for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss, service connection for right ear hearing loss, and bilateral vision condition was dismissed. Service connection for hypertension, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease was denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for tinnitus to correct a duty to assist error, as the Veteran's lay statements regarding onset and continuity of symptoms were not adequately considered in the previous decision.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, cubital tunnel syndrome, right plantar fasciitis, and a right knee disability due to the lack of evidence supporting a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
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