The Board has remanded the claims for SMC based on need for aid and attendance, higher ratings for sciatic nerve radiculopathy of both lower extremities, and a higher rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The VA is required to obtain additional medical records and provide an addendum to the previous examinations regarding the Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was failure of the duty to assist based on inadequate examination and incomplete record, necessitating remand development.
- Claimed conditions
- Anatomical loss of the right foot at the ankle level, Adjustment disorder with depressed mood, Coronary artery disease, Low back disability (degenerative disc disease, spondylosis, spinal stenosis, neural foraminal stenosis and intervertebral disc syndrome), Sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, Sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 16, 2021
- Citation
- A21018282
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 A21018282.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart condition was granted with an effective date of August 1, 2019. The decision is based on evidence showing exposure to diesel and gas fuel during service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since September 27, 2010. Additionally, he is in receipt of a 60 percent disability rating for coronary artery disease, which meets the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for HISA benefits is granted as the modification requested (a barrier free, roll-in shower) falls within the scope of HISA and addresses his medical need due to his service-connected coronary artery disease.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking his current mental health conditions to his military service.
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