Citation Nr: 18150136
Decision Date: 11/14/18	Archive Date: 11/14/18

DOCKET NO. 14-39 580
DATE:	November 14, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is remanded.
Entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran had active military service from September 1969 to April 1971.
1. Entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD
In the report of the Veteran’s March 2014 VA examination, the examiner stated that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD but did meet the criteria for adjustment disorder with depressed mood and alcohol use disorder. The examiner opined that these conditions were less likely than not caused by or a result of service, but that the symptoms overlapped and intermingled, making it difficult to determine which symptoms were due to specific conditions. Unfortunately, the examiner did not provide a rationale for these conclusions. A further examination and opinion is thus warranted. The Board has expanded this claim to include all psychiatric disorders, not just PTSD, pursuant to Clemens v. Shinseki, 23 Vet. App. 1 (2009). 
2. Entitlement to a total rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU)
As the outcome of the Veteran’s service connection claim could affect the TDIU claim, the latter claim must also be remanded as inextricably intertwined. See Harris v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. App. 180, 183 (1991).
The matters are REMANDED for the following action:
1. Afford the Veteran a VA examination with psychiatrist or psychologist who has reviewed the claims file to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, and alcohol use disorder.  The examiner is requested to review the record and offer an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not (i.e., probability of at least 50 percent or greater) that any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is related to service.  
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A complete rationale should be given for all opinions and conclusions expressed.
 
A. C. MACKENZIE
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	Evan Thomas Hicks