The Veteran's SMC based on housebound status is granted, and he is also awarded increased ratings for his peripheral neuropathy conditions.
The deciding factor: The Veteran meets the criteria for SMC based on housebound status due to a single service-connected disability rated as total (myocardial infarction, etc.) combined with additional disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy ratings are increased to reflect his current level of impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Myocardial Infarction, Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease, Coronary Artery Disease, Congestive Heart Failure, Bradycardia, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Bypass Graft, Diabetes Mellitus Type II, Peripheral Neuropathy, Left Lower Extremity (Sciatic), Peripheral Neuropathy, Right Lower Extremity (Sciatic), Renal Involvement in Diabetes Mellitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- April 14, 2026
- Citation
- A26034113
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 A26034113.
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 Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance (SMC AA) is remanded due to a duty to assist error. The VA needs to obtain an examination to assess the Veteran's need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart condition was granted with an effective date of August 1, 2019. The decision is based on evidence showing exposure to diesel and gas fuel during service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination focusing on his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his eligibility for benefits, as well as his need for aid and attendance.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II (DMII) as due to herbicide agent exposure, finding that he has not been diagnosed with DMII at any point during the period on appeal.
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