The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy render him so helpless as to be permanently bedridden, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the SMC(l) rate.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran is permanently bedridden due to his service-connected lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine spondylosis with intervertebral disk degeneration and sacroiliitis, bilateral lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- May 10, 2022
- Citation
- 22027639
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 22027639.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as generalized anxiety disorder. The past due benefits awarded in the June 2024 rating decision are eligible for direct payment of attorney fees at a rate of 20%. Service connection for GAD was not initially granted, so no fees can be paid from the July 2024 rating decision.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for SMC on account of being housebound was dismissed. The Board granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, finding that he requires assistance with various daily activities due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Granted
The Veteran was granted a TDIU rating from January 19, 2019 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.
- Granted
The Veteran's TDIU and SMC based on housebound criteria were granted, effective June 16, 2020. The appellant is eligible to attorney fees in the amount of 20% of past-due benefits awarded.
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