TexasTweener

Thanks for the reply. I believe all my conditions led to my TDIU. I would have to dig out my paperwork and see. I applied for TDIU because of the back and legs. I have no problem attending a C&P exam. I was under the impression that aid and attendance was only for combat vets.

I've been encouraged by a fellow Veteran and friend to apply for Housebound/SMC S. I'm not sure I would qualify and don't want to tie up time and resources other Veterans need. I'm TDIU P&T. 50% Depression 10% Right Shoulder 20% lower left leg radiculopathy 20% lower right leg radiculopathy 10% GERD 10 % Tinnitus and a couple of 0% service connected. Also I have/had non=service connected prostate cancer and I'm pretty much incontinent. I do have a AUS but it's not perfect. I've been TDIU for over 10 years at this point. Due to my back problems I have problems standing and walking. The time it takes to brush my teeth causes my back to start to spasm and hurt. I can normally get around the house without a cane but it I try and walk 50 yards I must have the cane to prevent my back from spasming and my legs to hurt worse. My daily schedule is thus: I get up in the morning, take the morning pills and make my way to my power recliner that I had to purchase with my own funds since the VA wouldn't provide one. I'll sit in my recliner for 1-2 hours and get up to eat breakfast. After breakfast it's back to the recliner. I'll get up a couple of times during the day to urinate. Once in a great while I'm able to help my wife with preparing dinner. I have to do so sitting at the table since I can't stand long enough to do much of anything. We're retired, no kids, so we eat dinner in the family room. I'll maybe get up one more time between dinner and bedtime to use the restroom. I spend around 11-12 hours a day in bed and the remainder in my recliner. All total through the day I might walk 75 yards. I only get out of the recliner for breakfast and head calls in a normal day. In the past year I leave the house an average of three times per month. One of those visits is my outside pain doctor since the VA quit prescribing opiates. Usually one trip to Walmart with my wife, and one time a month for dinner out. It's very hard for me to get around. Carrying a gallon of milk for a short distance is about all I can carry. My wife has to put my socks on and take them off. She has to help me dress. I'm of Scottish heritage so I've taken to wearing a kilt since I can get that on myself. My wife has to help me bathe. She does all the housework, almost all the meal prep. She's a saint and I'd be lost without her. I used to be pretty active. I'd go fishing once or twice a week. Go to the range once a week. None of it was easy but it kept me active. Now all that is a distant memory. My friend and fellow Veteran tells me I am effectively housebound and that I should qualify for SMC S with no problem.