Citation Nr: 18148006
Decision Date: 11/06/18	Archive Date: 11/06/18

DOCKET NO. 16-42 219
DATE:	November 6, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served on active duty from November 1995 to November 1999 and from February 2003 to May 2004. 
1. Entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is remanded.
The Veteran was afforded a VA examination in June 2016. At that time, the examiner found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for PTSD, notably criterion B and D. However, the examiner opined that the Veteran might have an adjustment disorder, but that a diagnosis could not be confirmed until the Veteran was “sober from alcohol for months.” 
The Board finds that this opinion is inadequate as it fails to discuss the Veteran’s in-service post-deployment assessment in which the Veteran endorsed, among other symptoms, feeling down, depressed, or hopeless, numb and detached, and experiencing nightmares. In addition, the Veteran has asserted that his alcohol abuse began while in service as a method of masking his pain and discomfort and then continued when he separated from service. See May 2014 B.R. Buddy Statement; May 2014 Veteran Statement. As such, the examiner failed to discuss the Veteran’s contentions regarding the in-service onset of his psychiatric symptomatology and the continuity of symptoms since service. See Barr v. Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 303, 312 (2007).
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1. Contact the Veteran and request authorization to obtain any outstanding records pertinent to his claims, including any private treatment records following proper VA procedures (38 C.F.R. § 3.159(c)).
2. After completing the requested development, afford the Veteran a VA mental health examination with a psychiatrist or psychologist to determine the precise nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder. The examiner must review the Veteran’s electronic records, including this Remand. All tests deemed necessary, including psychological testing, should be performed and all findings should be reported in detail. If possible, the appropriate Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) should be used. 
The examiner should confirm whether the Veteran currently has a diagnosed psychiatric disorder and must answer the following questions:
(a.) Does the Veteran have a diagnosis of PTSD under DSM-5?
(b.) If the answer to (a) is yes, then is it at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or greater) that PTSD is related to any incident of military service?
(c.) For any psychiatric diagnoses other than PTSD, including an adjustment disorder, is it at least as likely as not (a 50 percent probability or greater) that the Veteran’s disability began in service or is otherwise related to a disease, event or injury in service?
In addition, the examiner should consider the pertinent evidence, to include: i.) May 2014 Veteran Statement and ii.) May 2014 B.A. Buddy Statement.
A complete rationale for any opinion provided is requested. The examiner is advised that the Veteran is competent to report his symptoms and history, and such reports must be specifically acknowledged and considered in formulating any opinions. If the examiner rejects the Veteran’s reports of symptomatology, a reason for doing so must be provided.
 
A. C. MACKENZIE
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	C. Mukherjee, Associate Counsel