The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including a diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder in Remission and Unspecified Depressive Disorder with Anxious Distress, are not related to his active service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner opined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are more likely due to wrongful misconduct (alcohol use) and situational stressors rather than military service.
- Claimed conditions
- Alcohol Use Disorder in Remission, Unspecified Depressive Disorder with Anxious Distress
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 30, 2017
- Citation
- 1736117
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 1736117.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted an effective date of July 15, 2019 for the award of a 100% rating for PTSD with unspecified neurocognitive disorder and alcohol use disorder in remission. The grant of this rating renders the issue of entitlement to TDIU moot.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, Persistent Depressive Disorder, Alcohol Use Disorder in Remission, and Cannabis Use Disorder with Residuals of TBI was granted effective September 22, 2009. The Board found no evidence of a formal or informal claim prior to this date.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective December 16, 2017. Earlier effective dates are granted for a 100 percent disability rating for unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress and mild alcohol use disorder, as well as eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 USC chapter 35.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the eligibility criteria for PCAFC benefits due to his service-connected disabilities and need for personal care services. However, further evaluation is needed to determine if it is in the best interest of the Veteran to participate in the program.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.