The Veteran's claim for SMC based on being factually housebound has been denied due to the presence of nonservice-connected disabilities. The appeal is remanded to consider whether she meets the schedular criteria for SMC based on housebound status after her increased rating for Sjogren's syndrome is determined.
The deciding factor: The Veteran was not permanently housebound solely due to service-connected disabilities, as other nonservice-connected conditions contributed to her limited mobility.
- Claimed conditions
- Hypertensive heart disease, Sjogren's syndrome, Hypertension, Residuals, stress fracture, iliopubic ramus, Bladder neck suspension, Salivary gland excision, Cholecystectomy, Residual surgical scars
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 28, 2024
- Citation
- 24013112
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 24013112.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that it did not manifest during service and is not causally related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicides or service.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and active duty service or herbicide exposure.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and has remanded the issue of an increased rating for skin condition.
- Granted
The Board has restored the Veteran's 10% rating for hypertension effective December 1, 2025 and denied a rating in excess of 10%. The reduction from 10% to noncompensable was not proper.
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