The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting SMC based on aid and attendance. However, the criteria for SMC based on housebound status prior to April 8, 2016 are not met.
The deciding factor: The Veteran does not meet the statutory housebound criteria as he did not have additional service-connected disabilities independently rated at 60 percent or more that were separate and distinct from his PTSD.
- Claimed conditions
- posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), coronary artery disease with sinus bradycardia, residuals of shell fragment wound, right arm, scar, left forehead, residual of shrapnel wound, residuals of shell fragment wound, right foot, osteomyelitis, right foot associated with residuals of shell fragment wound, right foot, painful scar on dorsum of right foot associated with residuals of shell fragment wound, right foot, residual of shell fragment wound, right thigh, residual of shell fragment wound, right hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- April 23, 2024
- Citation
- A24020497
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 A24020497.
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
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Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
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