The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance and/or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that he required regular care or was permanently housebound solely as a result of these conditions.
The deciding factor: The Board found inconsistent statements from the Veteran regarding his level of disability and use of assistive devices, which reduced the probative value of his assertion. Additionally, there was no evidence to suggest that the Veteran was permanently housebound due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Thigh muscle injury, Paralysis of the external popliteal nerve, Buttocks injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 25, 2020
- Citation
- 20021391
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 20021391.
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: Dismissed
The appeal for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability and service connection for paralysis of the external popliteal nerve was withdrawn by the Veteran's representative.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to care for his daily needs and protect himself from hazards, warranting special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. However, he does not meet the criteria for housebound status.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not substantially contribute to his employment impairment and he had the education and transferable skills necessary to maintain employment within his field of interest, aptitudes, and abilities. Therefore, he was not found to have an employment handicap.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran is seeking payment or reimbursement for unauthorized medical services provided at Maine Medical Center from May 4, 2007 to May 10, 2007. The VA denied the claim due to the Veteran refusing transfer to a VA facility and because VA regulations precluded payment for treatment procured through private sources in preference to available Government facilities.
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