The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular A&A was denied by the RO, and he appealed. The Board found that service connection is not in effect for a disability causing anatomical loss or use of both feet, one hand and one foot, or blindness in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity. Additionally, there is no evidence showing the Veteran was bedridden solely due to his service-connected disabilities. The effective date remains January 10, 2023.
The deciding factor: The criteria for SMC based on need for regular A&A were not met as the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause him to be in need of such assistance and he was not bedridden due solely to his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Acquired psychiatric disorder (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder), Headache disorder, Erectile dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 12, 2026
- Citation
- A26002605
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A26002605.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
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