The Veteran's claim for SMC at the housebound rate is denied because he does not have a single service-connected disability rated as 100 percent disabling, and his TDIU rating based on one service-connected disability qualifies him for a total rating without requiring additional service-connected disabilities to meet the criteria.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's TDIU rating based on depressive disorder with anxiety (rated at 70%) is considered a single service-connected disability rated as 100% disabling, which disqualifies him from meeting the requirements for SMC at the housebound rate under VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive Disorder with Anxiety, Low Back Strain due to Degenerative Disc Disease, Migraine Headaches, Residuals, Fracture of Right Wrist, Neurological Residuals, Right Wrist Surgical Fixation with Retained Hardware, Residual, Right Shoulder Dislocation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- June 21, 2013
- Citation
- 1320181
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 1320181.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's 50% disability rating for migraine headaches was restored as the evidence did not show actual improvement in his ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.
- Granted
The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a 50 percent rating, effective December 3, 2021, due to frequent and severe attacks that significantly impact his ability to work.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of erectile dysfunction was dismissed. A rating of 50 percent, and no higher, for migraines is granted. An initial rating of 30 percent, and no higher, for IBS is granted. Service connection for hypertension is remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone is sufficient to grant a TDIU, and his other service-connected disabilities are at least 60% combined. The Veteran also meets the criteria for SMC based on housebound status.
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