Based on our memo summarizing the Board’s errors, VA agreed to vacate a Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision for our client veteran who was denied Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for Aid and Attendance. SMC for Aid and Attendance supports veterans who need help with daily activities like dressing, grooming, and meal preparation. The Board failed to provide adequate reasons for denying this essential benefit.
According to the law, veterans may qualify for SMC even if they do not meet every one of VA’s criteria. Our client’s medical records demonstrated his need for assistance with daily tasks. Records included reports from a 2022 primary care visit, social work assessments, and VA home aide referrals, which showed difficulties with basic activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. However, the Board only reviewed two examination reports from May 2022 and March 2023, ignoring the full scope of medical evidence.
The Board also denied SMC based on housebound status, claiming the veteran’s medical records did not support this classification. Yet the Board again failed to review key records showing the veteran’s confinement to his home.
The Court remanded the case, instructing the Board to consider the veteran’s entire medical record and provide a clear explanation for its conclusions. This decision reinforces the need for thorough evidence evaluation in veterans’ disability claims. Our team remains dedicated to advocating for veterans’ rights and securing benefits they rightfully deserve.
This case highlights the importance of comprehensive review and VA’s transparency in SMC claims.