The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC at the A&A rate was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not result in a need for regular aid and attendance.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities resulted in a need for regular aid and attendance, which is required for SMC at the A&A rate.
- Claimed conditions
- Acquired psychiatric disorder, Bilateral plantar fasciitis with bilateral pes planus, Obstructive sleep apnea, Headache syndrome, Back disability, Right carpal tunnel syndrome with ulnar nerve neuropathy/impingement, Right shoulder strain, Left shoulder strain, Neck disability, Left carpal tunnel syndrome with ulnar nerve neuropathy/impingement, Right thumb, degenerative changes of the metacarpal joint, Left thumb, degenerative changes of the metacarpal joint, Tinnitus, Right lower extremity radiculopathy, Temporomandibular joint disorders with bruxism, Left index finger degenerative arthritis, Left long finger degenerative arthritis, Dry eye syndrome with vitreous floaters, Bilateral hearing loss, Hypertension, Erectile dysfunction, Traumatic brain injury
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 3, 2026
- Citation
- A26018880
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 A26018880.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the current disabilities to military service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that it did not manifest during service and is not causally related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicides or service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for a low back disorder was reopened, and his claims for increased ratings of bilateral knee instability were granted. His hearing loss claim was denied.
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