The Veteran's SMC claim was granted based on his service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and multiple knee conditions. The effective date is set at February 24, 2018.
The deciding factor: The Veteran met the criteria for SMC due to his service-connected disabilities rated as total (100%) and additional service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60% or more from February 24, 2018.
- Claimed conditions
- Major depressive disorder, Patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee, Scars, lower lumbar scar, located centrally and right lower lumbar scar, Painful and unstable scars, back, Patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee, Lumbar laminectomy/fusion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- January 26, 2026
- Citation
- A26007089
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 A26007089.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder does not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or confined to his home, thus SMC based on housebound status and/or need for regular aid and attendance is denied.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, as secondary to his already service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to his in-service harassment. Service connection was denied for a binge eating disorder as there is no evidence of such a condition.
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