The Veteran is granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected MDD as of February 28, 2019, and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another person as of October 21, 2022. The rating assigned is 50%.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected MDD and diabetes mellitus with associated diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities have resulted in significant cognitive impairment, memory issues, and physical limitations that require regular aid and attendance from his spouse to complete daily activities.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Diabetes Mellitus, Type II, Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy of the Bilateral Lower Extremities (BLE)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- February 24, 2026
- Citation
- 26002564
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 26002564.
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 has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including GAD, MDD, bruxism, migraines/headaches, tinnitus, hip pain, iliotibial band syndrome, and leg stress fractures. The evidence does not support current diagnoses of these conditions during the appeal period.
- Granted
The Veteran's Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is found to have begun during their active duty service and continues to this day, meeting the criteria for service connection.
- Denied
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder with TBI is rated at 70 percent, but the appeal for a higher rating is denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for her service-connected MDD with PTSD was denied. The evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment, despite the Veteran maintaining full-time employment.
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