The appellant is not entitled to agent fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the June 2024 rating decision which granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for the aid and attendance of another.
The deciding factor: The fee agreement executed by the Veteran and the appellant does not apply as the past-due benefits were granted directly following a claim, not after an NOD or request for review in AMA, or as a result of a revision based on CUE.
- Claimed conditions
- Not specified in this decision
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 14, 2025
- Citation
- A25043089
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
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.