Citation Nr: 18159716
Decision Date: 12/19/18	Archive Date: 12/19/18

DOCKET NO. 17-04 414
DATE:	December 19, 2018
REMANDED
The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and major depressive disorder (MDD), is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served in the U.S. Army from December 1983 to October 1990.
The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include GAD, PTSD, and MDD, is remanded.
VA has conceded that the Veteran experienced an in-service stressor when a fellow servicemember committed suicide when they were stationed together at Fort Hood, Texas. The question remaining is whether any psychiatric disorder is related to that stressor. 
A February 2015 private psychiatric assessment states that the Veteran was diagnosed with PTSD and MDD. Although the clinician discussed the Veteran’s reported in-service stressors, he did not indicate whether they were the cause of her diagnosed PTSD and MDD.
In August 2015, the Veteran was afforded a VA examination. The examiner stated that the Veteran did not have sufficient symptoms for a diagnosis of PTSD and, instead, diagnosed GAD. He did not provide an explanation as to why his diagnosis conflicted with the private psychiatrist’s diagnosis. Additionally, his rationale for a negative nexus opinion was based on the lack of post-service treatment. He did not provide a clear cause of the diagnosed GAD and, instead, speculated that it “may be” due to a feeling of loneliness and isolation because her spouse travels frequently for work and her children had all grown and left home. This is inadequate and remand is necessary to obtain an adequate opinion.
Additionally, the Veteran reported at her private psychiatric examination that she had seen a psychologist through her employer. Remand is necessary to attempt to obtain these records.
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1. Advise the Veteran that she may submit any additional medical and non-medical evidence relating to her claimed acquired psychiatric disorder that is not already in VA’s possession. 
Specifically request authorization to obtain treatment records from the psychologist the Veteran saw through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at her job.
2. After obtaining any necessary authorization from the Veteran, request clarification from H. Jabbour, M.D., as to whether his diagnosis of PTSD in the February 2015 report is related to the stressors discussed in that report. Ask Dr. Jabbour to state whether there is a likelihood of at least 50 percent that the Veteran’s PTSD, or other diagnosed psychiatric disorder, is related to her in-service stressor. 
The Veteran is advised that it is ultimately her responsibility to obtain the evidence sought in this remand. 
3. Readjudicate the issue on appeal. If the benefit sought on appeal remains denied, the Veteran should be provided a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC). An appropriate period should be allowed for response before the case is returned to the Board.
 
LLOYD CRAMP
Acting Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	J. E. Miller, Associate Counsel