The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for major depression with psychotic features and SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support the grant of these benefits.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not demonstrate that the Veteran required regular aid and attendance due to his depression, which is a condition service-connected under direct theory.
- Claimed conditions
- major depression with psychotic features, opiate and stimulant use disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 3, 2026
- Citation
- A26030692
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 A26030692.
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: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for schizoaffective disorder was granted with an effective date of October 25, 2011. The decision also noted that the Veteran had previously been denied service connection for major depression with psychotic features in March 2003 and her claim to reinstate benefits related to this condition was received on October 25, 2011.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has restored the Veteran's 70 percent evaluation for their acquired psychiatric disability, effective November 1, 2017.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's major depressive disorder, major depression with psychotic features, and cognitive disorder unspecified are found to have begun during service. The back disability is denied as not related to service. The bilateral neurological disability of the lower extremities is also denied. Other issues remain remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, requiring a VA examination to determine if any of the Veteran's claimed psychiatric conditions are related to his active service.
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