The Veteran is granted SMC at the (n) rate effective November 9, 2020, based on a combination of service-connected conditions that independently reach or exceed 50% disability ratings.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD, cervical spine degenerative arthritis with spinal stenosis and intervertebral disc syndrome status post spinal fusion (neck condition), right upper extremity radiculopathy, hypertension, CAD, and left upper extremity radiculopathy, combine to reach or exceed 50% disability ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), cervical spine degenerative arthritis with spinal stenosis and intervertebral disc syndrome status post spinal fusion (neck condition), tinnitus, right upper extremity radiculopathy, hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 80%
- Decision date
- January 8, 2026
- Citation
- A26001923
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 A26001923.
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 hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- 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.
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