The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected low back disability, but SMC at the housebound rate is denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence supports that the Veteran's physical incapacity due to his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine requires care or assistance on a regular basis, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance. However, there is no evidence showing he is confined to his home or its immediate premises, thus denying SMC at the housebound rate.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, Recurrent, moderate major depressive disorder associated with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, Bilateral hearing loss, Tinnitus, Residuals of the fractured fourth toe of the left foot
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 26, 2025
- Citation
- A25102595
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