The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on being permanently housebound due to a single disability rated at 100 percent and additional disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran does not have a single service-connected disability rated as 100% disabling, nor has he been granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). His disabilities do not result in him being permanently confined to his dwelling or immediate premises due to service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, ischemic heart disease, bilateral hearing loss, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 80%
- Decision date
- November 3, 2020
- Citation
- A20016370
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 A20016370.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
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