The Board has granted an earlier effective date of May 24, 2011 for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected PTSD. The Veteran also received SMC at the intermediate rate (SMC-L12) as he had additional permanent disabilities independently ratable at 50% or more.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric symptoms necessitated regular aid and attendance, particularly after May 23, 2011, when his condition began to deteriorate. The combined rating of his service-connected conditions was sufficient for SMC-L12 as of May 24, 2011.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Neuropathy of the right lower extremity, Neuropathy of the left lower extremity, Neuropathy of the right upper extremity, Neuropathy of the left upper extremity, Dermatitis, Erectile Dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- December 4, 2024
- Citation
- A24080365
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 A24080365.
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 Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since March 23, 2004. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to February 15, 2005 due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his social and occupational functioning.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Veteran also met the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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