The Board finds the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran has an acquired psychiatric disorder other than substance induced mood disorder. The evidence indicates his alcohol use and abuse began prior to service, and he continued to struggle with it throughout the appeal period.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner opined it was more likely than not that the Veteran's current mental disorder is a continuation of his pre-service alcohol abuse, which made it impossible to determine if he met the diagnostic criteria for a mental health diagnosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Substance induced mood disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 12, 2018
- Citation
- 1802916
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 1802916.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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 remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including whether they are related to service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is being remanded for further examination and evaluation, including a review of in-service stressors and a psychiatric examination.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of each acquired psychiatric disorder demonstrated during the appeal period or in proximity to the claim. The Veteran's hepatitis C is denied as it is due to willful misconduct.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to verify the reported stressor and obtain a medical opinion regarding the relationship between any diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and active military service.
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