The Veteran's TDIU was granted in 2012, but the Board found that it did not meet the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate because his service-connected disabilities combined to be less than 60% disabling.
The deciding factor: The Veteran had a combined disability rating of 90%, which is above the required 60% threshold. However, the TDIU was based on multiple service-connected disabilities preventing employment, not a single disability rated at 100%. Therefore, he did not meet the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy of the right upper extremity, diabetic neuropathy of the left upper extremity, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetic neuropathy of the left lower extremity, diabetic neuropathy of the right lower extremity, erectile dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 90%
- Decision date
- April 23, 2024
- Citation
- A24020385
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 A24020385.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction was denied as the evidence did not show that he had been diagnosed and manifested to at least a 10 percent disability rating on or prior to May 8, 2001.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, visual impairment, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents during service. The Veteran's claims were not granted.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including right shoulder disability, abdominal hernia, GERD, bilateral ankle disabilities, and bilateral foot disabilities. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during the appellant's period of active duty.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection on the merits are being remanded due to new evidence and development needs. The maximum disability rating for tinnitus has already been assigned.
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