The appellant is granted SMC(o) and SMC(r)(1) based on his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, glaucoma, foot drop conditions, sleep apnea, migraines, overactive bladder, and various musculoskeletal issues. He does not qualify for higher rates due to the anatomical loss or use of extremities.
The deciding factor: The appellant's service-connected disabilities meet the criteria for SMC(o) and SMC(r)(1), including his PTSD, glaucoma, foot drop conditions, sleep apnea, migraines, overactive bladder, and various musculoskeletal issues. He does not have anatomical loss or use of extremities that would qualify him for higher rates.
- Claimed conditions
- posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bilateral open-angle glaucoma with keratoconjunctivitis and dry eye syndrome, bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and left forefoot valgus, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), migraines including migraine variants, overactive bladder, left lower extremity (LLE) foot drop associated with lumbosacral strain with arthritis, right lower extremity (RLE) foot drop associated with lumbosacral strain with arthritis, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) with bruxism, right shoulder impingement with tendonitis and arthritis, left shoulder impingement with tendonitis and arthritis, lumbosacral strain with arthritis, cervical spine arthritis, hemorrhoids with rectal stricture, left upper and right upper group radiculopathy and carpal tunnel syndrome associated with cervical spine arthritis, left and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with arthritis, left and right ankle synovitis/tenosynovitis, right thumb trigger finger, right hip flexor strain with limited extension, tinnitus, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), testicular hypofunction, erectile dysfunction, tinea pedis, acne with pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), myofascial pain syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- January 5, 2026
- Citation
- A26000670
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 A26000670.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction was denied as the evidence did not show that he had been diagnosed and manifested to at least a 10 percent disability rating on or prior to May 8, 2001.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA 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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.