The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance and due to being housebound was denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for SMC at either the aid and attendance or housebound rate, as he does not have a single service-connected disability rated 100 percent disabling, is not permanently bedridden or housebound by reason of his service-connected disabilities, and does not require regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's combined rating was 100% from March 2, 2020. However, he did not have a single service-connected disability rated at 100%. The evidence also showed that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for being permanently bedridden or housebound by reason of his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), ischemic heart disease, status post hip replacement, lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, left lower peripheral neuropathy, intervertebral disc disease, right leg, intervertebral disc disease, left leg, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- December 28, 2022
- Citation
- A22026236
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 A22026236.
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 has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart condition, including ischemic heart disease. The evidence did not support a finding of a current disability related to service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to conflicting opinions regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and skin disabilities related to herbicide exposure.
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