The Board granted separate awards of special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (l), (o), and (r)(1) rates based on the Veteran's service-connected Parkinson's disease with physical impairments, in addition to his existing SMC for a psychiatric disorder.
The deciding factor: The evidence is at least in approximate balance as to whether the Veteran also needs regular aid and attendance due to the physical impairments associated with his service-connected Parkinson's disease, which warrants separate awards of SMC at the (l), (o), and (r)(1) rates.
- Claimed conditions
- Parkinson's disease (with urinary problems, difficulty chewing/swallowing, right and left lower extremity neuropathy, constipation, right and left upper extremity neuropathy, speech changes right and left side, loss of automatic movements right and left side, right and left stooped posture, loss of sense of smell, and sexual dysfunction)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- May 22, 2025
- Citation
- A25046015
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various musculoskeletal issues, as well as an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for rhinitis. However, the Board granted a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (r)(2) level due to his service-connected disabilities requiring a higher level of care.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for PTSD and an initial 20 percent rating for dry eye syndrome with pinguecula, while denying service connection for other psychiatric disorders, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and multiple musculoskeletal conditions. Some claims were remanded for further development.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of January 10, 2017, for the award of service connection for hoarseness, swallowing difficulties, and constipation associated with multiple sclerosis.
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