SMC R1

[East]

Can you qualify for R1 by obtaining two SMC-L for Aid and Attendance? For instance, one SMC-L aid and attendance for Low Back Pain and other SMC-L for PTSD aid and attendance.

[Dot09]

I would believe the Va to fight you tooth and nails over this. But this is my opinion. Mental health claims for a&a are hard to get. 
 

ps I don’t think you can get two

Edited October 31, 2023 by Dot09

[jamescripps2]

You can get to an R-1 rating by showing the need for two Lratings as due to the need of A&A for two seperate and distinct disabilities involving two seperate and distinct body systems. The chances of obtaining A&A for the PTSD depends upon how much documented direction and supervision is needed by the veteran. To be able to obtain an award of A&A for lower back pain would be a challange and a strech to say the least, but it depends upon your individual circumstances.