The Veteran's appeal for SMC at the intermediate rate was granted, with two half-steps awarded due to service-connected depressive disorder and obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran is already entitled to a full step (SMC-L) based on his need for aid and attendance.
The deciding factor: The Veteran has multiple service-connected disabilities that independently warrant an SMC rating of 100% each, including depressive disorder and obstructive sleep apnea.
- Claimed conditions
- persistent depressive disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, lumbar spine disability, nephrolithiasis, migraine headaches, left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative arthritis, tinnitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- September 9, 2024
- Citation
- A24054048
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A24054048.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no competent evidence to support a finding that his current condition began in or as a result of service.
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