The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to consider the issues of service connection for alcohol dependence, substance-induced mood disorder and opiate and benzodiazepine abuse on a secondary basis due to PTSD. The issue of compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for bilateral hematoma and multiple cerebral contusions is also being remanded.
The deciding factor: The Court found evidence suggesting a possible link between PTSD and alcohol abuse, necessitating further medical opinion on this secondary service connection claim.
- Claimed conditions
- alcohol dependence, substance-induced mood disorder, opiate and benzodiazepine abuse
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 24, 2011
- Citation
- 1124202
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1124202.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error, and will need to obtain an opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability with alcohol dependence.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, alcohol dependence, and anger issues. The denial is based on a lack of verified stressor in service linking these conditions to service, as well as a lack of medical nexus connecting them to service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for alcohol dependence and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, both secondary to service-connected conditions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for alcohol dependence, finding no current disability. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.
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