Citation Nr: 21063504
Decision Date: 10/14/21	Archive Date: 10/14/21

DOCKET NO. 17-35 872
DATE: October 14, 2021

REMANDED

Entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include posttraumatic stress disorder and depression is remanded.

Entitlement to service connection for hypertension is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The appellant is a Veteran who served on active duty from August 1956 to August 1958.  This matter is before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from a rating decision of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO).

Service Connection

1. Entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include posttraumatic stress disorder and depression

The Veteran contends he has an acquired psychiatric disorder as a result of two stressors which occurred in service.  One incident was reported as occurring in 1957 at Camp Lejeune where a soldier shot a sergeant in the head killing him, and then pointed the gun at the Veteran.  

A request was made with a note the stressor occurred between February 1, 1947 and April 1, 1957.  No further dates were submitted for investigation of the stressor.  The Board does not regard this effort at stressor verification as adequate.  

The Veteran subsequently identified the timeframe as October 1957.  Therefore, another inquiry, for the dates indicated, is required.   

2. Entitlement to service connection for hypertension

The Veteran has claimed hypertension as secondary to PTSD.  Because a decision on the issue of entitlement to a psychiatric disability could significantly impact a decision on the issue of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, the issues are inextricably intertwined. 

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:  

1.  Submit a request to the appropriate repository to verify the stressor described as a shooting in 1957 at Camp Lejeune where a soldier shot a sergeant in the head killing him, and then pointed the gun at the Veteran.  

Specifically, the Veteran has identified the period between September and November 1957 as the likely timeframe wherein the shooting occurred.  If multiple requests are needed to cover the entire period for the Veteran's reported stressors, submit multiple requests.  Any negative responses must be documented.  

 

2. If upon completion of the above the  issues remain denied, the appeal should be returned to the Board after compliance with appellate procedures.  

 

E. I. VELEZ

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	E. Skiouris, Counsel

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.