The Veteran's service-connected spinal disorder and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his inability to walk independently, perform daily activities, and transfer safely. He is therefore granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's severe back pain and associated radiculopathy have significantly impaired his mobility, necessitating regular aid and assistance with ADLs.
- Claimed conditions
- Spinal Disorder, Peripheral Neuropathy (Bilateral Lower Extremities)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 12, 2022
- Citation
- A22025069
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 A22025069.
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 Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of issues related to the Appellant's character of discharge, service connection for a spinal disorder, and service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. The AOJ is instructed to correct any pre-decisional errors in these claims.
- Granted
The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction is now rated at 40 percent from June 4, 2014.,The Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity was increased to 20 percent effective March 25, 2016.,The Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity was also increased to 20 percent effective March 25, 2016.
- Granted
The Veteran's spinal disorder was diagnosed within one year of separation from active duty service, meeting the criteria for presumptive service connection.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities effectively result in the permanent loss of use of both lower extremities, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. As a result, he is entitled to specially adapted housing.
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