The Veteran is granted SMC based on aid and attendance from January 30, 2019 onward. The issue of entitlement to SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound benefits from July 12, 2011 to January 29, 2019 is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for SMC T (based on a higher level of SMC under subsection (t)) has been reasonably raised by the record. The issue of entitlement to SMC based on aid and attendance from July 12, 2011 to January 29, 2019 is remanded.,The earlier effective date for radiculopathy of the upper extremities prior to February 9, 2021 remains pending.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities was determined from January 30, 2019 onward.,The Veteran's claim for SMC T has been reasonably raised by the record. The issue of entitlement to SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound benefits from July 12, 2011 to January 29, 2019 is remanded due to the need for an earlier effective date for radiculopathy of the upper extremities.,The earlier effective date for radiculopathy of the upper extremities remains pending as it is intertwined with other issues.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine with thoracic syrinx, left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy associated with degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine with thoracic syrinx, cervical spine degenerative joint disease and intervertebral disc syndrome, PTSD, major depressive disorder with traumatic brain injury, migraines associated with PTSD and major depressive disorder with TBI, radiculopathy of the left upper extremity associated with cervical spine degenerative joint disease and intervertebral disc syndrome, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity associated with cervical spine degenerative joint disease and intervertebral disc syndrome, tinnitus, right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy associated with degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine with thoracic syrinx, right foot second metatarsal fracture, left ear hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 9, 2021
- Citation
- 21068192
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 21068192.
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 Board of Veterans' Appeals has granted service connection for PTSD and Mood Disorders, both presumed conditions under the PACT Act.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
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