Citation Nr: 21000940 Decision Date: 01/06/21 Archive Date: 01/06/21 DOCKET NO. 17-23 407 DATE: January 6, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to a higher level of special monthly compensation is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran is currently in receipt of special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114, subsection (l) and 38 C.F.R. § 3.350(b) on account of loss of use of one hand and loss of use of one foot as well as special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114, subsection (k) and 38 C.F.R. § 3.350(a) on account of loss of use of a creative organ. The Veteran contends that he is entitled to a higher rating of special monthly compensation. Specifically, he asserts that his service-connected diabetes mellitus, a disability separate and distinct from his cerebral vascular accident with right hemiparesis that is the cause of his loss of use of one and one foot, causes him to need aid and attendance. At his November 2020 Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) hearing, the Veteran stated he has impairment of his left upper extremity and retinopathy, both possibly related to his diabetes. His spouse testified that she assists organizing his medications, prepares healthy meals for him, and assists him bathing and getting dressed. Unfortunately, the Veteran has not undergone a VA examination of his diabetes mellitus since 2008 and the most recent VA treatment records associated with the Veteran’s claims file are from June 2017. Although he submitted an Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance in September 2015, the examination discusses impairment caused by his service-connected cerebral vascular accident with right hemiparesis and nonservice-connected left shoulder, but does not discuss functional limitations due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Board finds that the evidence of record is insufficient to determine what impairments the Veteran has that are due solely to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and thus whether he requires aid and attendance separately due to that condition. Therefore, although the Board regrets the additional delay, a remand is necessary to afford the Veteran a VA examination of his condition. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Obtain the Veteran’s VA treatment records since June 2017 and associate with his claims file. (Continued on the next page)   2. Arrange for the Veteran to undergo a VA examination of his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The examiner should further complete an Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance considering only the Veteran’s diabetes mellitus. H. SEESEL Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board A. Christensen The Board’s decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.