The Veteran's service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, leading to the grant of SMC at the intermediate rate. The rating for left knee flexion limitation is granted, as well as instability ratings for the left knee. Tinnitus remains rated at 10 percent. Service connection claims related to a left ear condition, depressive disorder with anxiety, left shoulder impingement syndrome, and migraine headaches are remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities necessitate regular aid and attendance, meeting the criteria for SMC at the intermediate rate.
- Claimed conditions
- Musculoskeletal disabilities, Depressive disorder with anxiety, Left shoulder impingement syndrome with glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis, Left upper extremity paresthesia associated with left shoulder impingement syndrome with glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis, Left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and residual crepitus status post ACL reconstruction surgery, Left side temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction with reduction, Migraine headaches associated with TMJ dysfunction with reduction, Old unfused chip fractures of the medial and lateral malleoli of the right ankle, Tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- January 23, 2026
- Citation
- A26006500
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 A26006500.
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 bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and dismissed his appeals regarding increased ratings for tinnitus and a right hand disability due to lack of timely filing of Notice of Disagreement.
- 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 service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with hammer toes, hallux valgus and degenerative arthritis, sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bilateral kidney cysts, rendered him unable to secure or follow gainful employment. The Board granted the TDIU based on these conditions.
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