The Veteran's service-connected right and left shoulder disabilities, cervical spine disability, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand, and major depressive disorder with PTSD caused a need for regular aid and attendance on a daily basis. The Board found that SMC based on this need was warranted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected conditions resulted in functional impairments requiring care or assistance to dress himself, keep clean, attend to hygiene needs, and protect from environmental hazards.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Shoulder Disability, Left Shoulder Disability, Cervical Spine Disability, Right Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Major Depressive Disorder with PTSD
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- December 11, 2024
- Citation
- 24034162
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 24034162.
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 claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities are remanded. The claim for sleep disorder (claimed as sleep apnea) remains denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an effective date before April 1, 2018 for a 20% rating for left shoulder disability was denied. The appeal also resulted in the assignment of a 20% rating from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2018, and a TDIU granted from April 1, 2018 to September 3, 2025.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities, finding insufficient evidence to establish an in-service event or injury related to his shoulders. The Veteran's current shoulder conditions are not linked to his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine disability, right knee strain (painful motion), and right knee instability are now rated at 30 percent effective August 16, 2017.
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