The Veteran was granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the intermediate rate between 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l) and (m), but a higher level of SMC, including under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r), was denied.
The deciding factor: The most persuasive evidence did not establish that the Veteran's disabilities warranted a higher rate of SMC beyond the intermediate rate between 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l) and (m).
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Parkinson's disease, Right lower extremity balance impairment, bradykinesia, tremor, and muscle rigidity, Left upper extremity bradykinesia, tremor, and muscle rigidity associated with Parkinson's disease, Left lower extremity balance impairment, bradykinesia, tremor, and muscle rigidity associated with Parkinson's disease, Difficulty chewing or swallowing associated with Parkinson's disease, Speech changes, loss of automatic movements on the left and right side, loss of sense of smell, constipation, stooped posture on the left and right side (each associated with Parkinson's disease), Migraine headaches, Erectile dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- April 16, 2025
- Citation
- A25035371
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various musculoskeletal issues, as well as an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for rhinitis. However, the Board granted a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates of November 5, 2021, for the grants of service connection and eligibility for DEA benefits.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for PTSD, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor and finding that his PTSD is related to an in-service military sexual trauma (MST) during a period of ACDUTRA.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an effective date of May 17, 2019, for a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD but denied earlier effective dates for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.
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