The Veteran's service-connected back disability requires regular aid and assistance of another person, qualifying him for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance. The issue of housebound status is moot due to the award of SMC based on aid and attendance.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's severe back disability necessitates regular aid and assistance in his daily living activities.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with intervertebral disc syndrome, Spinal fusion, Spinal stenosis, Lumbosacral strain with spondylolisthesis of L5-S1, Radiculopathy right lower extremity of the sciatic nerve associated with the back disability, Radiculopathy right lower extremity of the femoral nerve associated with the back disability, Flat foot, Condition of the skeletal system
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- September 5, 2024
- Citation
- A24052851
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 A24052851.
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 claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the lumbar spine disability prior to October 11, 2022 and since December 1, 2022. The Veteran's claim is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5242.
- Denied
The Veteran's cervical strain with spinal fusion is rated at 20 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating.,The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, herniated disc, IVDS and spinal stenosis is rated at 40 percent since August 19, 2020. The appeal period did not show unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of IVDS.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for his lumbar spine condition and left lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to incomplete service records and a lack of relevant VA treatment records. The Board will seek additional opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.
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