The Veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates have been granted, with the exception of some issues which were remanded. Effective from February 2, 2023, he is now eligible for SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ, earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus type II, and service connection for various conditions including PTSD, heart disorder, GERD, and gout.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claims were granted as they met the criteria for service connection and effective dates established by law and regulation.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetic nephropathy, erectile dysfunction, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (heart disorder)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 1, 2026
- Citation
- A26029605
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 A26029605.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction was denied as the evidence did not show that he had been diagnosed and manifested to at least a 10 percent disability rating on or prior to May 8, 2001.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.
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