The Veteran's TDIU was granted based on her service-connected migraines. The combined rating of all service-connected disabilities is at least 60%, meeting the criteria for SMC housebound.
The deciding factor: The Veteran has a single service-connected disability rated as total (migraines) and additional disabilities resulting in a combined disability rating of 60% or higher, which meets the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate.
- Claimed conditions
- muscle tension headaches with migraines, depression, cervical strain with degenerative arthritis/degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy, left upper extremity associated with cervical strain with degenerative arthritis/degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy, right upper extremity associated with cervical strain with degenerative arthritis/degenerative disc disease, degenerative disc disease (DDD) with herniated nucleus pulposus, L4-S1, lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome, chondromalacia patella with knee strain, right knee, patellofemoral pain syndrome and knee strain, left knee, rheumatoid arthritis (presumed due to exposure to burn pit)
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- 80%
- Decision date
- September 3, 2024
- Citation
- A24052211
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 A24052211.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining in-service psychiatric treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder.
- Denied
The Veteran's depression was rated at 50 percent prior to July 1, 2016. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. For TDIU, the Veteran had multiple service-connected disabilities but his education and work experience were sufficient for sedentary or light labor employment.
- Granted
The Veteran's depression was rated at 50 percent prior to September 27, 2017. From September 27, 2017, the rating for depression increased to 70 percent.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The issues related to service connection for various conditions and disability ratings.
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