Citation Nr: 21004664 Decision Date: 01/27/21 Archive Date: 01/27/21 DOCKET NO. 17-01 207 DATE: January 27, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran had active military service from September 2005 to September 2009. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded. The Veteran contends that he suffers from a psychiatric disorder, especially PTSD, because of his service – including particularly trauma from doing repeated medivac interventions collecting dead or seriously injured bodies while stationed in Iraq from 2006 to 2009. He cites one instance in June 2007 as especially traumatic when he witnessed the death of fellow service members from a nearby unit when rotors fell off their aircraft. In January 2016, a VA examiner concluded the Veteran did not suffer from a diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. But, during his more recent February 2020 hearing before this Board, the Veteran contended that he did not actually speak with that examiner – merely, instead, filled out a questionnaire that was forwarded to the examiner for his review and response. The Veteran contended that, although he has reached out to VA for treatment of his mental health, he has not yet been scheduled for a clinical appointment. He further testified that he continues to suffer from psychiatric-related symptoms owing to his service. A preliminary review of the January 2016 VA examination in question at least seemingly supports the Veteran’s contentions of an inadequate evaluation. Also, while a July 2009 service treatment record (STR) notes the Veteran was experiencing depression during his first deployment because of unspecified familial trouble, this record was not discussed by the January 2016 VA examiner before concluding the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis. The Board, consequently, is requesting supplemental clinical comment concerning this claim. Accordingly, this claim is REMANDED for the following action: Schedule the Veteran for a psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current mental illness, whether owing to PTSD or whatever other diagnosis, if any, is determined to be warranted. If, unlikely previously, PTSD is diagnosed, the examiner must explain how the diagnostic criteria are met and opine on whether it is at least as likely as not related to a verified in-service stressor or fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. Similarly, if any other acquired psychiatric disorder is diagnosed, either instead of or in addition to PTSD, the examiner must opine on whether it is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease – including doing repeated medivac interventions collecting dead or seriously injured bodies while stationed in Iraq from 2006 to 2009, and one instance in June 2007, in particular, when the Veteran claims to have witnessed the death of fellow service members when rotors fell off their aircraft and they fell to their deaths, as well as his documented feelings of depression while in service as noted in July 2009. KEITH W. ALLEN Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board R. Erdheim The Board’s decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.