Citation Nr: 18156136
Decision Date: 12/07/18	Archive Date: 12/07/18

DOCKET NO. 14-43 178
DATE:	December 7, 2018
ORDER
Entitlement to service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is granted.
FINDING OF FACT
Competent evidence indicates the Veteran suffers from PTSD that is related to service.
CONCLUSION OF LAW
The criteria for service connection for PTSD have been met.  38 U.S.C. §§ 1110, 5107(b) (2012); 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.303, 3.304 (2018).
REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDING AND CONCLUSION
The Veteran had active military service from October 1963 to October 1967.
This matter comes before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal of a January 2014 rating decision by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO).
The Veteran and his spouse testified at a hearing before the Veterans Law Judge in September 2018. A transcript of that hearing has been associated with the claims file.  
Entitlement to service connection for PTSD
Service connection for PTSD requires a medical diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with 38 C.F.R. § 4.125(a); a link, established by medical evidence, between current symptoms and an in-service stressor; and credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor occurred. 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f). 
The Veteran contends he suffers from PTSD as a result of activities during service. During the September 2018 hearing, the Veteran reported that he was exposed to multiple dead and wounded fellow service-members.  He reported that he was called on to remove the wounded and deceased from incoming transportation    into the hospital for treatment or transfer to the morgue.  The Veteran’s military personnel records contain an Air Force commendation medal for “outstanding achievement” in “enabling [USAF Hospital Clark] to receive, process, and dispose of a greatly increased patient load arriving and departing USAF Hospital Clark.”
Post-service VA treatment records contain a current diagnosis of PTSD, as well as on-going treatment and counseling. Accordingly, the first criterion for establishing service connection, a current disability, has been established. The question becomes whether the condition is related to military service.
The Veteran underwent a private mental health examination in October 2018 with Dr. Q.A-S.  Although the Veteran noted that his military occupational specialty (MOS) was that of medical administration specialist, he reported in-service stressors in the form of exposure to multiple deceased and wounded soldiers as a scribe for the medical examiner, as well as the above documented role in organizing and performing patient movement through the hospital. The Board notes that Dr. A-S conducted an extensive review of the Veteran’s substantial claims file, as well as    an interview with the Veteran.  He observed that the Veteran “clearly evidences PTSD” manifested by severe depression and social isolation.  On consideration of the service and medical records, and interview, he opined that it was more likely       than not that the Veteran’s PTSD was caused by his military service. Dr. A-S also noted that the Veteran’s PTSD has also been linked to his military service by his long-term VA treatment provider.  
After resolving all doubt in the Veteran’s favor, the Board finds the Veteran has a corroborated stressor which has been linked to his PTSD. Accordingly, service connection for PTSD is warranted. 
 
K. A. BANFIELD
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	Rachel Mamis