The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the initial grant of service connection for depressive disorder was denied as no earlier claims or intent to file a claim were presented.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his right shoulder disability rating was also denied, as there is no evidence of an increase in severity within one year prior to the filing of the claim.
The deciding factor: Both claims are based on lack of evidence showing a factual basis for an earlier effective date.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status, nor does he qualify for financial assistance in purchasing necessary adaptive equipment.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive Disorder, Right Shoulder Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 14, 2022
- Citation
- 22057777
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 22057777.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities are remanded. The claim for sleep disorder (claimed as sleep apnea) remains denied.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities, finding insufficient evidence to establish an in-service event or injury related to his shoulders. The Veteran's current shoulder conditions are not linked to his military service.
- 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.
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