The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lumbar spine disability, right and left knee disabilities, and rheumatoid arthritis (claimed as radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremity), have contributed to his need for regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted entitlement to SMC at the (l) level based on the Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lumbar spine disability, right and left knee disabilities, and rheumatoid arthritis (claimed as radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremity), have contributed to his need for regular aid and attendance.
- Claimed conditions
- PTSD, lumbar spine disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, rheumatoid arthritis (claimed as radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremity)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- February 2, 2022
- Citation
- 22005913
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 22005913.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess his bilateral knee and hip disabilities.
- Granted
The Board of Veterans' Appeals has granted service connection for PTSD and Mood Disorders, both presumed conditions under the PACT Act.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient rationale in the July 2012 VA examination for the Veteran's left knee disability, and a new addendum opinion is needed.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.