The veteran was granted a total rating based on individual unemployability due to a service-connected disability (TDIU) from April 28, 2017, and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) as well as special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound criteria were established from the same date.
The deciding factor: The veteran's lumbar strain rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work history from April 28, 2017, establishing entitlement to TDIU. Additionally, he had permanent and total disability status from that date, qualifying for DEA benefits and SMC.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbar strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- November 21, 2025
- Citation
- A25101538
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