The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with the previous remand directives regarding the issues of entitlement to service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's statements about his traumatic experiences as it relates to major depressive disorder, alcohol and drug abuse and any other psychiatric diagnosis, as well as, address the December 1981 treatment record that notes the Veteran had been depressed and nervous since he broke his right ankle in service and started drinking and doing drugs while in service. The matter is REMANDED for further development.
The deciding factor: The Board found there was not substantial compliance with previous remand directives regarding the issues of entitlement to service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, necessitating a new examination and opinion.
- Claimed conditions
- major depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, drug use disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 26, 2021
- Citation
- 21024886
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 21024886.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for specially-adapted housing assistance and a special home adaptation grant was denied because he does not meet the criteria for either benefit based on his service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, along with alcohol use disorder, has been granted a 100% evaluation effective from April 8, 2021. The disability causes total occupational and social impairment.
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