Citation Nr: 18158357
Decision Date: 12/14/18	Archive Date: 12/14/18

DOCKET NO. 15-22 785A
DATE:	December 14, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychological disorder is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served in the United States Army from May 1989 to May 1992 and again in the Army Reserve from June 2002 to November 2002. The Veteran deployed to Saudi Arabia in December 1990 and was in Kuwait January 1991.
This matter comes before the Board of Veteran’s Appeals (Board) on appeal from an August 2014 rating decision from the Decatur, Georgia Regional Office (RO) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 
Entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychological disorder is remanded.
The Veteran contends he has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of his military service.
In July 2014, the Veteran underwent a VA examination to address his potential PTSD. The examiner notes that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD that conforms to the DSM-V criteria, but does have persistent depressive disorder and an alcohol use disorder.  Despite providing a diagnosis for persistent depressive disorder and an alcohol use disorder, the examiner did not provide an opinion as to etiology.  Additionally, VA outpatient treatment records reflect a diagnosis of anxiety.  VA outpatient treatment records also reflect a December 2014 note that indicated a DSM-V diagnosis of PTSD then several subsequent records that reverted back to “rule out PTSD”. 
The Veteran’s claim is accompanied by multiple lay statements from family members and partners describing changes in the Veteran’s behavior upon his return, reporting current symptoms and suggesting that the condition started from something that happened in service. 
The Board notes that the Veteran’s claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD is the type of claim that cannot be limited only to a particular diagnosis, but must be considered a claim for any mental disability that may be reasonably encompassed. Clemons v. Shinseki, 23 Vet. App. 1 (2009). Accordingly, as the Veteran currently has other mental health diagnoses and asserts a nexus between his current symptoms and an in-service incident, the Board finds that the Veteran should be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his psychological disorder. 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(d) (West 2014); 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(c)(4) (2015); McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79 (2006).
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1. Request all VA treatment records not already associated with the file from the Veteran’s VA treatment facilities, and all private treatment records associated with the Veteran not already associated with the file.
2. Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination with a psychiatrist or psychologist. The examiner must review the claims file, and note that review in the report. The examiner should set forth all examination findings and a complete rationale for any opinion expressed should be provided. 
Clarify the current diagnosis.  Specifically, does the Veteran at least as likely as not (a 50 % or better probability) have a diagnosis of PTSD (under DSM-V criteria) related to a stressor event in service? The examiner should comment on the December 2014 treatment record.  If PTSD is not diagnosed, explain why the Veteran does not meet the criteria for such diagnosis.
With regard to the variously diagnosed psychological disorders of record, to include the depression and anxiety noted in treatment records, or any other psychological disorder identified at the examination, the examiner should specifically provide an opinion as to whether it is as least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) related to the Veteran’s active service.
A comprehensive rationale must be provided for the opinions rendered. 
 
H. SEESEL
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	E. Iannone, Law Clerk