Citation Nr: 21069308
Decision Date: 11/18/21	Archive Date: 11/18/21

DOCKET NO. 16-40 779A
DATE: November 18, 2021

REMANDED

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty from August 1967 to August 1970, including service in Vietnam. He is in receipt of the combat infantryman badge (CIB) and a Bronze Star. He is currently 100 percent disabled due to prostate cancer. In June 2021, he testified at a virtual hearing held before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge (VLJ). A transcript of the hearing is of record.

The Veteran has claimed entitlement to service connection for PTSD due to combat service in Vietnam. He underwent a VA examination in August 2014 but he did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder; however, VA treatment records dated from September 2017 to July 2020 indicated a diagnosis of possible PTSD and rule out PTSD. Further, PTSD screening tests in December 2017 and July 2018 were positive. 

Moreover, August 2019 VA treatment records noted that the Veteran was attending PTSD group therapy meetings and July 2018 and July 2019 VA treatment records reflected an assessment of depression. Further, a September 2017 VA treatment record stated that the Veteran reported symptoms that may be consistent with major depression, moderate to severe anxiety, and trauma related conditions.

Under the circumstances, remand is required to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to clarify whether any currently diagnosed psychiatric disorder is related to service.

The matter is REMANDED for the following actions:

1. Obtain updated relevant update VA clinical records.

2. Schedule the Veteran for an examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims file must be available to the examiner. All indicated studies should be performed.

Based on the examination results and review of record, the examiner is asked to address the following:

	Does the Veteran have a current psychiatric disorder? If so, what is the diagnosis?

	If a psychiatric disorder is diagnosed, is it is at least as likely as not (a 50 percent probability or greater) that it is etiologically related to his combat service.

The rationale for all opinions must be provided. 

 

 

L. HOWELL

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	E. Redman, 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.