The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence and the need for an addendum opinion regarding service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The issues of DIC benefits and burial benefits are inextricably intertwined.
The deciding factor: The decision is based on the need for additional medical opinions to address the relationship between the Veteran's diagnosed mental health disorders and his active service, as well as the potential impact on his suicide by self-inflicted gunshot wound.
- Claimed conditions
- alcohol dependence, mental health disorders
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 8, 2021
- Citation
- 21068023
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 21068023.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include stress disorder, PTSD, or mental health disorders, due to a need for further evidence and medical opinion.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for alcohol dependence and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, both secondary to service-connected conditions.
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