The Veteran's Parkinson's Disease and associated lower extremity symptoms have been granted a single 40 percent evaluation effective October 7, 2022. Additionally, he is awarded SMC based on loss of use of both feet, need for regular aid and attendance, and two SMC awards.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners found the Veteran's symptoms to be moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve, warranting a single 40 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 8520. The external cutaneous nerve was also rated as moderate incomplete paralysis (mild in this case due to absence of sensation).
- Claimed conditions
- Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 25, 2026
- Citation
- A26017150
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 A26017150.
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 case due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claim is related to his exposure at Camp Lejeune, but there are questions about whether he currently has Parkinson's Disease or Parkinsonism.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for SMC at the (r-1) level is granted due to his service-connected PTSD and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, as he requires regular aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected Parkinson's Disease, but denied it based on direct causation.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted SMC at the (o) rate based on his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and other conditions. He also meets the criteria for SMC at the (r)(1) level due to need for regular aid and attendance.
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