The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance was denied because he is not in need of such assistance due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that while the Veteran requires some help with daily activities, he does not meet the criteria for needing regular aid and attendance.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not result in a need for regular aid and attendance as defined by VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Major Depressive Disorder, Sleep Apnea, Migraines, GERD, Lumbar Disc Disease, Chronic Pain Syndrome associated with AML, Left Ulnar Compression Injury, Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy, Ulnar Nerve Scar, Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy, Tinnitus, Tinea Pedis, Allergic Rhinitis, Erectile Dysfunction, Dry Eye Syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 5, 2026
- Citation
- A26011126
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 A26011126.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the condition and service.
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