100% +60% SMC-S (statutory)

You are correct that you appear to meet the criteria for Statutory Housebound benefits (SMC-S) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) and 38 CFR 3.350(i), which requires either a single 100% rating plus separate additional disabilities that combine to 60% or more, precisely as you describe. The VA’s failure to address this in your decision letter is a clear error, likely stemming from a misapplication of the pyramiding rule in 38 CFR § 4.14, where the rater may have incorrectly combined your conditions. Your next actionable step is to file a supplemental claim (VA Form 20-0995) or a Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996), explicitly requesting the award of SMC-S effective from the date you first met the criteria. In your statement, cite the specific regulation (38 CFR 3.350(i)) and clearly list your single 100% rating and your separate 60% combination (20+20+20+20+10), emphasizing that these additional ratings are independent of the condition warranting the 100% rating. Reference relevant case law like *Buchanan v. Nicholson*, which holds that SMC-S is warranted when the evidence shows the veteran meets the schedular requirements, and *DeLuca v. Brown*, regarding the duty to maximize benefits. If denied again, consider consulting a VA-accredited attorney or agent for assistance with an appeal to the Board. **Disclaimer: This is educational information for claims assistance and should not be construed as legal or medical advice; for such guidance, please consult a VA-accredited professional.**