Citation Nr: 18153343
Decision Date: 11/27/18	Archive Date: 11/27/18

DOCKET NO. 16-24 880A
DATE:	November 27, 2018
ORDER
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted.
FINDING OF FACT
The Veteran is service-connected for schizoaffective disorder with an assigned rating of 100 percent disabling (total social and occupational impairment).  In July 2013, the Veteran’s treating psychiatrist noted that the Veteran needs assistance with eating, preparing meals, taking medication, and remembering to bathe and otherwise maintain hygiene, all due to the Veteran’s severe psychosis and depression.  In the September 2014 VA Aid and Attendance examination, the examiner noted that the Veteran’s medication must be locked away, that she cannot leave her house alone, and that she cannot manage her own financial affairs.  The October 2017 VA mental health examination report noted the Veteran’s severe mental health symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, and panic attacks.  Other medical treatment records show clinicians’ clear concern regarding the severity of Veteran’s psychiatric symptoms and how she depends on the assistance of others for safety and activities of daily living.  Statements from the Veteran and her spouse (which were closely reviewed and appreciated) attesting to the Veteran’s severe impairment and associated safety risks are also of record.  Overall, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) finds that this evidence reasonably shows that the Veteran, due to her service-connected psychiatric disability, needs the regular aid and attendance of another to protect herself from the hazards and dangers incident to the daily environment.  
CONCLUSION OF LAW
SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is warranted, subject to the laws and regulations governing the award of monetary benefits.  38 U.S.C. §§ 1110, 1114(l), 1131, 5107; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.352.
REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDING AND CONCLUSION
The Veteran served on active duty from September 1998 to February 2002 and from October 2003 to March 2007.  This matter is before the Board on appeal from a September 2014 rating decision.  The Board notes that the Veteran was formerly represented by a private attorney.  In November 2018, the Board granted the attorney’s April 2018 motion to withdraw for good cause shown.  38 C.F.R. § 20.608.  
For the reasons outlined above, SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is warranted.
 
VICTORIA MOSHIASHWILI
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	N. Robinson, Associate Counsel