The Veteran is granted a higher rate of SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(m) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions, which include generalized sarcoidosis with headaches, cardiomegaly associated with generalized sarcoidosis with headaches, bilateral diabetic retinopathy with macular edema and cataract, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities, major depressive disorder, erectile dysfunction, and dermatitis. The Veteran is in receipt of a combined total evaluation for compensation of 100 percent from July 22, 2008.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected conditions result in severe impairment that necessitates regular aid and attendance due to his inability to perform daily activities independently.
- Claimed conditions
- Generalized Sarcoidosis with Headaches, Cardiomegaly associated with Generalized Sarcoidosis with Headaches, Bilateral Diabetic Retinopathy with Macular Edema and Cataract associated with Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Mellitus, Peripheral Neuropathy, Right Upper Extremity, Peripheral Neuropathy, Right Lower Extremity, Major Depressive Disorder with Sleep Disorder, Peripheral Neuropathy, Left Upper Extremity, Peripheral Neuropathy, Left Lower Extremity, Erectile Dysfunction, Peripheral Neuropathy, Right Lower Extremity (Femoral Nerve), Dermatitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- March 20, 2023
- Citation
- 23017384
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 23017384.
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.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for erectile dysfunction due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for a VA examination.
- Granted
The Veteran's appeal was granted for various disabilities, including service connection for depressive disorder and increased evaluations for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting multiple nerve groups. A SMC based on need for aid and attendance was also awarded.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Bilateral Lower Extremity Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (Sciatic Nerve), Erectile Dysfunction, and Bladder Cancer in remission. Effective dates have been set for these awards as of July 14, 2004. The Veteran's claim for higher initial disability ratings and earlier effective dates are being remanded.
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