The veteran's claim for service connection for a chemical imbalance (to include bipolar disorder) due to alcohol consumption is denied as the evidence does not show that his alcohol abuse disability was incurred or aggravated by active service. The right knee disability and substance abuse are not shown to be related.
The deciding factor: Service connection for alcohol-related chemical imbalances is precluded by law, and there is no evidence showing a direct relationship between the veteran's alcohol consumption and his current chemical imbalance.
- Claimed conditions
- Chemical Imbalance (to include bipolar disorder)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 26, 2002
- Citation
- 0213013
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 0213013.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
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.