The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support that the Veteran was bedridden or so helpless as to require the aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities. While he had significant service-connected conditions, including diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and coronary artery disease, these conditions were not found to be the primary reason for his need for nursing home care.
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetes mellitus, Bilateral upper and lower diabetic peripheral neuropathy, Coronary artery disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 13, 2025
- Citation
- 25007971
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, type II, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, asthma/lung disease, vision disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, leukocytosis, kidney disease/kidney stones, enlarged prostate, sleep apnea, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar spine disability, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the R(1) rate due to his need for regular aid and attendance.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's coronary artery disease for all periods on appeal.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease and intervertebral disc syndrome, cervical spine; cervical spine radiculopathy, right upper extremity; coronary artery disease; and right ear hearing loss.
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