The Veteran's claim for a higher SMC rate is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and expert medical opinion on his degree of infirmity.
The deciding factor: The Board needs to determine the current degree of infirmity due to the loss of use of the left hand, including whether it meets the criteria for enhanced SMC rates under subsections (o), (p), or (r) of 38 U.S.C. § 1114.
- Claimed conditions
- loss of use of left hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 8, 2022
- Citation
- A22024839
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A22024839.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for SMC based on loss of use of the left hand is dismissed as it has already been granted. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for SMC by reason of need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including loss of use of the left hand. However, he does not meet the criteria for SMC based on housebound status.
- Granted
The Board has granted earlier effective dates of October 7, 2015 for the Veteran's service connection for loss of use of bilateral lower extremities and left hand.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including those for hepatic steatosis, loss of use of his feet and hands, vision disability, renal condition, immune system dysfunction, cardiovascular condition, and psychological disability. The AOJ is instructed to schedule examinations for these conditions and provide a rationale for their relationship to service or secondary to RA.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed all compensation claims under 38 U.S.C. � 1151 for various disabilities due to VA medical treatment and surgery on April 12, 2010, and May 2010.
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