The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of both feet is denied because he does not have anatomical loss or effective function remaining in his bilateral lower extremities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran has only service-connected left lower extremity sciatic nerve impairment and no evidence of loss of use of both feet as defined by VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- left lower extremity sciatic nerve impairment
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 30, 2024
- Citation
- A24051544
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 A24051544.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The veteran's claim for a higher rating for low back disability was denied, but an initial 20 percent rating for left lower extremity sciatic nerve impairment was granted.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance due to the use of a back brace in 2014 is denied as the brace does not qualify under VA regulations.
- Granted
The Board finds the evidence is evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment, thus granting a TDIU.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as his combined disability rating is not at least 40% and he does not meet the criteria for a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.
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.