Citation Nr: 18149834
Decision Date: 11/13/18	Archive Date: 11/13/18

DOCKET NO. 16-37 527
DATE:	November 13, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for voiding dysfunction to include as secondary to service connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served on active duty from March 1966 to March 1968.
1. Entitlement to service connection for voiding dysfunction to include as secondary to service connected PTSD and DM.
The Board finds that new VA examination and opinion is warranted for the Veteran’s claim, as the record does not contain an adequate etiology opinion.  The Veteran was examined in July 2016.  During the examination the Veteran was diagnosed with voiding dysfunction.  However, the examiner did not opine as to whether the Veteran’s condition was related to service or to his service-connected PTSD or DM.  

The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1. Assist the Veteran in associating with the claims folder updated treatment records.
2. Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination with the appropriate medical examiner to address the nature and etiology of his voiding dysfunction.  The claims folder must be made available to the examiner for review in connection with the examination.  The examination report should reflect that the claims file was reviewed, including any newly associated medical records.
a)	With regard to the voiding dysfunction, the examiner should state whether it is at least as likely as not (a 50 percent probability or more) that such a disability began in service, was caused by active service, or is otherwise related to active service.  The examiner should elicit a thorough history from the Veteran regarding the onset and pattern of his symptoms.
b)	The examiner should also opine as to whether it is at least as likely as not (a 50 percent probability or more) that such a disability is etiologically related to or aggravated by the Veteran’s PTSD or DM.  
The examiner is advised that the Veteran is competent and credible to report symptoms, treatment, and injuries, and that his reports must be taken into account in formulating the requested opinions, including, but not limited to, the Veteran’s statements that his voiding dysfunction is caused by his PTSD medication and/or DM medication.
Rationale for all requested opinions shall be provided.  If the examiner cannot provide an opinion without resorting to mere speculation, he or she shall provide a complete explanation stating why this is so.  In so doing, the examiner shall explain whether the inability to provide a more definitive opinion is the result of a need for additional information or that he or she has exhausted the limits of current medical knowledge in providing an answer to that particular question.
 
A. S. CARACCIOLO
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	R. Gandhi, Associate Counsel