The Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder prior to October 25, 2017 and entitlement to TDIU prior to that date are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports and the need for additional medical opinions.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the prior VA examinations did not adequately address the Veteran's symptoms of blunt and flat effect, periods of a lack of personal hygiene, short-term memory issues, hallucinations, and slowed speech. Additionally, there is a need to determine if these symptoms are associated with his service-connected major depressive disorder or another nonservice-connected disability.
- Claimed conditions
- major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 12, 2023
- Citation
- 23038498
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 23038498.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for specially-adapted housing assistance and a special home adaptation grant was denied because he does not meet the criteria for either benefit based on his service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia and alcohol use disorder caused his sleep apnea.
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