The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from performing the physical and mental acts required for substantially gainful employment prior to April 3, 2018. However, he is entitled to special monthly compensation based on housebound status from April 3, 2018 to May 4, 2022.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 3, 2018. However, he meets the criteria for SMC based on housebound status due to his combined service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- migraines, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), vertigo, instability of the left knee, tinnitus, limitation of motion of the left knee, pseudofolliculitis barbae, left knee scars, allergic rhinitis, eustachian tube dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 23, 2025
- Citation
- A25046415
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar spine pain, allergic rhinitis, and recurrent yeast infections. The claims for service connection for generalized anxiety disorder with alcohol use disorder and left knee pain were remanded.
- Partly granted
The Veteran was granted a 70 percent initial disability rating for PTSD effective December 2, 2021, but the claim for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent was denied. The appeal also included claims for service connection and ratings for various conditions, some of which were granted while others were remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for tinnitus to correct a duty to assist error, as the Veteran's lay statements regarding onset and continuity of symptoms were not adequately considered in the previous decision.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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