The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for depression and entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound due to insufficient evidence. The AOJ is required to obtain updated VA medical records, contact the Veteran for his current contact information, and schedule appropriate VA examinations.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was not a complete record of the Veteran's VA medical records and that new examinations are needed given the amount of time that has passed since the prior examination. The AOJ is also required to obtain updated private treatment records and contact the Veteran for his current contact information.
- Claimed conditions
- depression
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 7, 2022
- Citation
- 22050906
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 22050906.
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 for additional development, including obtaining in-service psychiatric treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder.
- Denied
The Veteran's depression was rated at 50 percent prior to July 1, 2016. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. For TDIU, the Veteran had multiple service-connected disabilities but his education and work experience were sufficient for sedentary or light labor employment.
- Granted
The Veteran's depression was rated at 50 percent prior to September 27, 2017. From September 27, 2017, the rating for depression increased to 70 percent.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The issues related to service connection for various conditions and disability ratings.
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