The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with grade I spondylolisthesis and a lumbar scar do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s service-connected disabilities do not result in a loss of use of any extremity, nor are they so severe as to require special accommodations such as specially adapted housing. The examiner found that the lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was unrelated to the service-connected back disability.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with grade I spondylolisthesis, lumbar scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- August 24, 2020
- Citation
- 20055873
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 20055873.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a higher rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar, status post partial laminectomy and discectomy, an initial higher rating in excess of 20 percent for left lower extremity (LLE) peripheral neuropathy, an initial higher rating in excess of 20 percent for right lower extremity (RLE) peripheral neuropathy, and an initial compensable rating for lumbar scar due to deficiencies in the VA examinations.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an initial evaluation of 40 percent for the lumbar condition and 30 percent for the cervical condition, but remanded other claims including service connection for a left elbow condition and evaluations for various knee and hand conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection for a lumbar spine disability prior to December 18, 2006.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings and earlier effective dates, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating or an earlier effective date.
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.