The Veteran's service-connected left total knee replacement does not prevent him from performing daily tasks and thus he is not in need of aid and attendance or housebound status.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s service-connected condition (left total knee replacement) does not hinder his ability to perform the activities of daily living, leading to a denial of SMC for aid and attendance and housebound benefits.
- Claimed conditions
- status post left total knee replacement
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 23, 2018
- Citation
- 18128832
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 18128832.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's right and left knee disorders, but granted a 10 percent rating for painful left anterior knee scars.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's application for PCAFC benefits was denied as their combined rating of service-connected disabilities is below the required threshold (70%) to be considered a 'serious injury' under VA regulations.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including her left knee and elbow conditions, render her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of increased ratings for left knee arthritis and status post total left knee replacement, as well as service connection for sleep apnea due to additional evidence being added to the record.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.