The Veteran's claim for an initial higher rating for unspecified depressive disorder was denied, and the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was remanded due to new evidence.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection as his depression alone did not cause occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
- Claimed conditions
- Unspecified depressive disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- September 1, 2022
- Citation
- 22049855
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 22049855.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's claim is also being considered for secondary service connection of his psychiatric disorder to a service-connected left knee disability.
- Granted
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as PTSD and other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, was granted service connection. The effective date for the right elbow scar ratings is set at December 17, 2018.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral lower extremity neuropathy due to diabetes mellitus, have resulted in loss of use of both lower extremities. The Board has granted eligibility for specially adapted housing and dismissed the claim for a special home adaptation grant as moot.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding whether his surgeries and post-surgical care resulted in additional disabilities, as well as an evaluation of fault on VA's part.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.