The Veteran's appeal for a higher level of SMC was denied as he does not meet the criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(1) due to lack of blindness or deafness resulting from service-connected disability, and his current disabilities do not warrant an increase in SMC.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claim for a higher level of SMC was denied as he does not meet the specific criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(1) due to lack of blindness or deafness resulting from service-connected disability, and his current disabilities do not warrant an increase in SMC.
- Claimed conditions
- coronary artery disease (CAD) with congestive heart failure, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), right upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, hypertension
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 16, 2026
- Citation
- A26035510
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 A26035510.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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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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