The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted a higher 70 percent rating, but ratings for his ankle disabilities and other conditions are denied. The claims for service connection of low back disability, left foot disability (radiculopathy), facial scars, and facial lesions are remanded.
The deciding factor: The Board found the Veteran's symptoms more closely approximated a 70 percent rating for depressive disorder due to flattened affect, disturbances in mood and motivation, impairment of memory and concentration, unprovoked irritability, suicidal ideation, and difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances (including work or worklike settings).
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive Disorder, Left Ankle Disability (Residual of Ankle Strain/Sprain), Right Ankle Disability (Residual of Ankle Strain/Sprain)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 30, 2021
- Citation
- 21077524
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 21077524.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed as the claim was granted and effective from February 22, 2023.
- Granted
The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder, is rated at 70 percent effective from August 3, 2021. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected Depressive Disorder is causing him to require regular assistance in keeping himself clean and presentable, which may qualify him for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance. The case is being remanded to schedule a VA examination to assess this issue.
- Granted
The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of service connection (January 23, 2020), due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
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