The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status was denied as he does not meet the criteria for regular aid and attendance or permanent housebound status.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not demonstrate a need for regular aid and attendance due to his physical conditions, which allowed him to be ambulatory and independent in most daily activities. He also did not show that he was permanently housebound as defined by VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine, Varicose veins, Depression
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20008009
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple myeloma, back disability (secondary to multiple myeloma), and depression, with an effective date of January 26, 2021. The decision also remanded claims related to breast cancer, DEA benefits, and initial ratings.
- Denied
The veteran's bad conduct discharge precludes eligibility for VA benefits, including compensation and healthcare.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and personality disorder, due to the need for further development of the record.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the death of the Appellant during its pendency.
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