The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC based on Housebound criteria, but found that he was entitled to SMC at the housebound rate from February 25, 2004, to March 31, 2004, and March 21, 2007, to April 30, 2007.
The deciding factor: The Veteran was in receipt of temporary total disability ratings for his service-connected disabilities during these periods, which met the criteria for SMC as a matter of law.
- Claimed conditions
- Major depressive disorder, Left L4-L5 bulging disc with neural foramina narrowing and severe lumbar myositis, Left median neuropathy of the entrapment type at wrist level, Left L4-L5 radiculopathy associated with L4-L5 bulging disc, Right median neuropathy of the entrapment type at wrist level, Left hip subtrochanteric bursitis, Status post-septoplasty due to posttraumatic septal deviation, Allergic rhinitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- October 26, 2016
- Citation
- 1641611
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 1641611.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder does not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or confined to his home, thus SMC based on housebound status and/or need for regular aid and attendance is denied.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, as secondary to his already service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there was a duty to assist error and remands the case for further development. The Veteran contends his allergic rhinitis began during service, but VA medical opinions have found no link between his current condition and service.
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