The Veteran's claim for a higher level of special monthly compensation (SMC) has been denied as he does not meet the criteria for SMC at the 'o' level due to his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran does not have anatomical loss or loss of use of both feet, one hand and one foot, blindness in both eyes, or permanent bedridden status. His service-connected disabilities do not qualify him for a higher SMC rating under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. �1114(p).
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Diabetes, Bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, Dermatitis, Shell fragment wounds of the left elbow and knees, Erectile dysfunction, Hypertension, Limitation of extension of the right knee, Limitation of extension of the left knee, Bilateral knee posttraumatic arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 18, 2013
- Citation
- 1329863
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1329863.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that it did not manifest during service and is not causally related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicides or service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and active duty service or herbicide exposure.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and has remanded the issue of an increased rating for skin condition.
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