The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered her so helpless as to require the aid and attendance of another person, thus granting special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.

The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran required regular assistance in preparing meals, dressing, showering, and maintaining hygiene due to her service-connected back and hip conditions and resulting muscle weakness and poor balance.

Claimed conditions

Lumbar spine disc disease and herniation, Left foot ganglion s/p bunionectomy, Left hip osteoarthritis, Scars, left hip extension and left hip limited abduction, Right and left lower extremity radiculopathy

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 2, 2025

Citation

A25085335

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine