The Board denied the Veteran's claim for continued payment of SMC at the housebound rate as he did not meet the statutory requirements for one service-connected disability rated as 100% and separate disabilities rated at 60% or higher, nor was he permanently housebound by reason of service-connected disability or disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's combined rating was 90%, which did not meet the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate based on one service-connected disability rated as 100% and separate disabilities rated at 60% or higher, nor was he permanently housebound by reason of service-connected disability or disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Right above-the-knee amputation, Hypertension secondary to bilateral knee condition
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 90%
- Decision date
- December 18, 2018
- Citation
- 18158965
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 18158965.
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 Board found that the right above-the-knee amputation was not caused by VA's carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill. The proximate cause was believed to be an infection resulting from a pressure ulcer on the Veteran's heel.
- Granted
The Veteran is entitled to a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing due to his service-connected right above-the-knee amputation and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, which together preclude locomotion without the aid of an electric wheelchair.
- Denied
The Board found no evidence of negligence or fault on the part of VA in treating the Veteran's femoral neck fracture, and ultimately denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a right above-the-knee amputation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The veteran is seeking compensation under the 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a right above-the-knee amputation performed as a result of VA treatment, but his claim must be further developed due to outstanding private and VA records.
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.