Citation Nr: 21068296 Decision Date: 11/09/21 Archive Date: 11/09/21 DOCKET NO. 17-22 847 DATE: November 9, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and anxiety, is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from August 1974 to April 1975. This case is before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from a January 2016 rating decision by a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office. In August 2021, the Veteran testified at a virtual hearing before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge. A transcript of the hearing has been associated with the electronic claims file. Now the matter is before the Board. Initially, the Board notes that the Veteran first claimed service connection for PTSD and later claimed service connection for anxiety and depression. In this regard, the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims has held that claims for service connection for PTSD encompass claims for service connection for all psychiatric disabilities raised by the claimant's description of the claim, reported symptoms, and other information of record. See Clemons v. Shinseki, 23 Vet. App. 1 (2009). Thus, in accordance with Clemons, the Board has recharacterized the issue on appeal as the Veteran's claim for entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, MDD, and anxiety. The Veteran contends that her current psychiatric conditions are a result of unknowingly providing an assistance in an abortion procedure while working as a medic in service. The Veteran also testified that her roommate in service was a victim of sexual assault and visiting her at the hospital added to her in-service trauma. However, the Board finds that additional development is necessary in order to make a fully informed decision. The evidence shows diagnostic impressions of PTSD and MDD, and her anxiety symptom is also noted in her treatment record. See e.g., December 2015 Psychology Note. Buddy statements regarding the Veteran's current symptoms of avoiding or being triggered by vacuuming noise are of record. However, another psychologist provided a different diagnostic impression regarding PTSD, and noted a diagnostic impression of unspecified depressive disorder while ruling out PTSD. See April 2015 Psychology Note. The Board notes that the Veteran was not afforded a VA examination to clarify her current diagnosis under DSM-V criteria. In regard to the Veteran's claimed in-service incurrence of her current psychiatric condition, the Board notes that the details provided by the Veteran regarding the traumatic incident in service has been consistent throughout the appeal period. The Board also notes that the record shows that the Veteran's military occupational specialty was a medical corpsman. Based on above, the Board finds that the Veteran should be provided a medical examination by an appropriate psychiatrist or psychologist to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current psychiatric condition(s) prior to final adjudication of the matter. Accordingly, the matter is REMANDED for the following action: 1. The Agency of original jurisdiction should schedule an examination by an appropriate psychiatrist or psychologist to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability. The examiner must review the Veteran's claims file and a copy of this REMAND order in conjunction with the examination. The examiner must identify the Veteran's current diagnoses of her psychiatric disability under DSM-V criteria. The examiner must opine whether each of the Veteran's current psychiatric disability is at least as likely as not (50 percent or more probability) incurred in or otherwise related to her active duty service. If a diagnosis of PTSD under DSM-V criteria is warranted, the examiner must specify the specific in-service stressors that led to the diagnosis. If the examiner finds that evidence indicates that a personal assault occurred during the Veteran's active duty service, the examiner must opine whether the Veteran's PTSD is at least as likely as not (50 percent or more probability) related to the in-service personal assault. The examiner must provide a complete written rationale for any opinions rendered. The examiner is advised that the Veteran is competent to report her symptoms and history, and such reports must be acknowledged and considered in formulating opinions. If the examiner rejects the Veteran's reports, the examiner must provide an explanation for such rejection. 2. After completing the above actions and any other necessary development, the issue on appeal must be readjudicated. If the claim remains denied, a Supplemental Statement of the Case must be provided to the Veteran and her attorney. After the Veteran and her attorney have had an adequate opportunity to respond, the appeal must be returned to the Board for appellate review. MICHAEL LANE Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board J. E. Kim, Associate 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.