The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's alcohol dependence disorder as secondary to his service-connected depressive disorder, finding that both conditions are linked and that the depression exacerbates the alcohol use.
The deciding factor: Service connection was granted based on a positive nexus opinion linking the Veteran's alcohol dependence disorder to his service-connected depressive disorder.
- Claimed conditions
- alcohol dependence disorder
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 26, 2023
- Citation
- 23053434
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 23053434.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Dismissed
The veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection of alcohol dependence disorder was dismissed because the veteran withdrew the appeal.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders and a need for additional private treatment records.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for alcohol dependence disorder secondary to service-connected depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's lay evidence regarding the relationship between his depression and drinking was not credible. The medical opinions provided did not support a finding of secondary service connection.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has vacated the July 2021 decision denying service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and sleep apnea. The Veteran's claims were denied as there was no credible supporting evidence of a stressor event, and his diagnoses are not linked to in-service events.
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.