Citation Nr: 18148922
Decision Date: 11/08/18	Archive Date: 11/08/18

DOCKET NO. 15-27 347
DATE:	November 8, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served on active duty from January 1968 through October 1970.
This case is before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (the Board) on appeal from a June 2014 rating decision of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The Veteran had a hearing before the undersigned in October 2018.
During the hearing, the Veteran indicated that he receives treatment from the American Lake Veterans’ Medical Center.  These records are not currently associated with the claims file.  
Also during the hearing, the Veteran asserted that his PTSD was caused by an in-service stressor.  Specifically, while away in-service, the Veteran explained that he was informed by a commanding officer that his father was in an accident and not expected to recover.  As a result, the Veteran was granted emergency leave to return home.  Once home, the Veteran witnessed his father in a coma and his unfortunate passing.  The Veteran testified that since that time, he has never been the same.
As reflected on the title page, this appeal is expanded from the Veteran’s original claim of PTSD to include all acquired psychiatric disorders.  See Clemons v. Shinseki, 23 Vet. App. 1 (2009).
In August 1970, the Veteran’s service treatment records provide evidence that the Veteran returned to service after emergency leave.  Additionally, during a January 2013 mental health assessment, the Veteran’s military history detailed the events surrounding his father’s death and hardship discharge from service.  The Veteran has not been afforded a VA examination, and one is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed psychiatric disability.  
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1. Ask the Veteran to complete a VA Form 21-4142 for the American Lake Vet Center.  After authorization is received, obtain any treatment records.  Document all requests for information as well as all responses in the claims file.
2. Schedule the Veteran for an appropriate examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder.  The examiner is asked to diagnose any psychiatric disorders present during the appeal period.
If PTSD is diagnosed, the examiner is asked to explain how the diagnostic criteria are met and opine whether it is at least as likely as not related to a verified in-service stressor. 
If any other acquired psychiatric disorders are diagnosed, the examiner must opine whether each diagnosed disorder is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.
The basis for each opinion is to be fully explained with a complete rationale.  
 
H.M. WALKER
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	N.B. Mmeje, Associate Counsel