The Veteran's disability ratings for the period on appeal were sufficient to meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on statutory housebound status under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s). The combined disabilities met the requirement of a single service-connected disability rated at 100 percent and additional service-connected disabilities collectively ratable at 60 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, along with other separate and distinct service-connected disabilities, independently warranted a TDIU rating of 100 percent, satisfying the requirement for a single service-connected disability rated as total under SMC criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine, left tibia distal fracture, left ankle strain, left hip strain, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFS), tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- September 10, 2020
- Citation
- 20059584
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 20059584.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran experienced tinnitus during his active duty service.
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