The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of one or both hands and feet, finding that there was not enough evidence to support a determination of loss of use with no effective function remaining other than that which would be equally well served by an amputation stump with prosthesis.
The deciding factor: The weight of the competent evidence did not show that the Veteran had the functional equivalent of loss of use of a hand or foot during the period on appeal, as his symptoms were inconsistent and showed improving symptomology throughout the period.
- Claimed conditions
- Loss of use of one or both hands, Loss of use of one or both feet
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 29, 2024
- Citation
- A24069845
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
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.