The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) housebound based on her service-connected disabilities, finding that she does not meet the criteria for SMC housebound as defined by law and regulations.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not have a single service-connected disability rated at 100% or additional service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60%, nor was she permanently confined to her dwelling and immediate premises due to her service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Bladder disability with voiding dysfunction, Interstitial cystitis, Obstructive sleep apnea, Depressive disorder, Lumbar spine degenerative disc and joint disease with intervertebral disc syndrome, Status-post hysterectomy, Cervical spine degenerative disc disease, Right shoulder impingement, Left hip bursitis, Right hip bursitis, Bilateral knee patellofemoral syndrome, Bilateral wrist strain, Bilateral knee cruciate instability, Painful scars, Right lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 11, 2018
- Citation
- 18133276
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 18133276.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding whether the Veteran's current conditions are aggravated by his service-connected DDD of the lumbosacral spine. The AOJ is required to obtain new medical opinions addressing this issue.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for obstructive sleep apnea and headaches, finding that the evidence does not support a finding of persistent daytime hypersomnolence or other manifestations consistent with a compensable disability rating under the criteria established by Diagnostic Codes. The matter is remanded to obtain additional information from the Veteran regarding his headaches and their impact on his daily life.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected residuals of left foot 5th metatarsal fracture.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has identified a contradiction in the AOJ's determinations regarding the Veteran's need for aid and assistance, which requires clarification. The remanded issues are entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another and on the basis of statutory housebound status.
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