The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status was denied because his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC, as he is not in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions.
The deciding factor: The Veteran does not have a single service-connected disability rated at 100% that combines with other unrelated disabilities to reach 60%, nor is he permanently bedridden or housebound by reason of service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive disorder, Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, Bilateral knee arthritis, Bilateral subtalar joints arthritis, Synovitis of the ankles, Coccydynia, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Irritable bowel syndrome, Tennis elbows (bilateral), Pes planus (bilateral), Plantar fascitis (bilateral), Cyst in fossa of Rosenmuller, Prostatitis, Left arm ganglion cyst, Bilateral ulnar nerve entrapment
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 27, 2020
- Citation
- 20036184
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 20036184.
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 errors in the initial decision and a need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's gastrointestinal condition and right shoulder disability.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of irritable bowel syndrome (claimed as IBS-Gulf War Syndrome) due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The claim for tinnitus was granted.
- 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.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran is found not competent to handle the disbursement of VA funds, and his appeal is denied.
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