The Veteran's combined nonservice-connected disability rating is 80%, which does not meet the requirement for housebound benefits. The Board finds that he is not substantially confined to his home or immediate premises due to permanent disabilities, and thus, does not qualify for special monthly pension by reason of being housebound.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's combined nonservice-connected disability rating (COPD rated 60%, right foot drop rated 40%) does not meet the requirement of a single 100% disability as required by law and regulation to be considered for special monthly pension on account of being housebound.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Right foot drop, Syncope
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 80%
- Decision date
- January 28, 2015
- Citation
- 1503945
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 1503945.
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- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher level of SMC was denied as the Board found that he is already in receipt of SMC at the (l) rate based on need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease with congestive heart failure. A second award of SMC at the (l) rate based on need for regular aid and attendance was not warranted.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cause of death, finding that there is no competent evidence linking any principal or contributory cause of his death to his service.
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