The Veteran's initial rating for depressive disorder with alcohol disorder is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100% rating.,The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and an eye disorder due to inadequate examination opinions regarding etiology and causation.,The Veteran's eye disorder claim remains pending, with the Board requesting additional examination opinions on the nature and etiology of his eye condition.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show total social and occupational impairment for depressive disorder with alcohol disorder. The symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100% rating.,The remand is necessary to determine if diabetes mellitus and eye disorders are related to service, including exposure in the Persian Gulf, and whether they are proximately due or aggravated by service-connected conditions.,Additional examination opinions are needed to address the etiology of the Veteran's eye disorder and its relationship to service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive Disorder, Alcohol Disorder, Diabetes Mellitus, Eye Disorder (Macular Degeneration and Keratoconus)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 22, 2020
- Citation
- 20042216
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 20042216.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Granted
The Veteran's appeal was granted for various disabilities, including service connection for depressive disorder and increased evaluations for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting multiple nerve groups. A SMC based on need for aid and attendance was also awarded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected Depressive Disorder is causing him to require regular assistance in keeping himself clean and presentable, which may qualify him for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance. The case is being remanded to schedule a VA examination to assess this issue.
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