The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for enhanced/higher SMC based on his multiple service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran does not have anatomical loss or use of both feet, one hand and one foot, blindness in both eyes, being permanently bedridden, or so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance. His conditions are rated separately and do not meet the criteria for SMC at a higher level.
- Claimed conditions
- PTSD, Lumbar strain with degenerative changes, Bladder dysfunction associated with lumbar strain with degenerative changes, Right foot drop associated with lumbar strain with degenerative changes, Right hip pain with degenerative changes, Inversion contracture right ankle, Right knee pain with narrowing of medial compartment, Plantar warts right foot, Right wrist degenerative joint disease associated with right foot drop, Left wrist degenerative joint disease associated with right foot drop, Erectile dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 21, 2015
- Citation
- 1521962
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1521962.
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: Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was granted with an initial evaluation of 50 percent, effective September 24, 2007. The appeal regarding the heart condition and sleep disorder is denied. The Veteran's hearing loss prior to August 24, 2015, warrants a 20 percent rating.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that the Veteran meets the basic medical eligibility criteria for PCAFC benefits due to his need for personal care services based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury. However, further clinical evaluation is needed to determine if participation in the program is in the Veteran's best interest.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's appeal for an extension of his education assistance benefits under Chapter 33 was granted, as the evidence showed he was negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and could not complete his program within the original eligibility period.
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