Citation Nr: 21075597
Decision Date: 12/21/21	Archive Date: 12/21/21

DOCKET NO. 17-21 588
DATE: December 21, 2021

REMANDED

Entitlement to service connection for depression is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty from July 1987 to April 1996.

The issue on appeal was remanded by the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) in February 2020. 

1. Entitlement to service connection for depression is remanded.

The Veteran seeks service connection for depression. Treatment records from the Olin E. Teague Vet Center report that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of major depressive disorder. While the Veteran was afforded a VA examination regarding PTSD in February 2008, the examiner did not address the Veteran's diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Further, in July 2020, the Veteran submitted correspondence arguing that his depression was due to failed relationships and a failed marriage during his period of active service in 1992. Additionally, the Veteran stated that between 1992-1995 he was determined to diabetic, which he contends is very depressing for him.  

The Board finds that a medical opinion should be obtained that addresses whether the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder was incurred during his period of active service or has been caused by one of his service-connected disabilities. 

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

1. Schedule the Veteran for a VA psychiatric examination with an appropriate clinician, to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorder present during the appeal period. All tests deemed necessary should be conducted and the results reported in detail.

Following review of the claims file and examination of the Veteran, the examiner should identify all psychiatric disorders found.

Next, the examiner should opine as to the following: 

a) The examiner is asked to opine whether such diagnosed psychiatric disorder, to include major depressive disorder, at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or greater) is related to the Veteran's service.

b) The examiner is asked to opine whether such diagnosed psychiatric disorder, to include major depressive disorder, at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or greater) is due to or aggravated by any service-connected disability to include diabetes.

Any examiner is advised that the Veteran is competent to report in-service events, his symptoms and history. Such reports must be specifically acknowledged and considered in formulating any opinions. A thorough rationale, to include reference to relevant evidence of record as appropriate, should be provided for all opinions expressed. If the examiner is unable to provide a requested opinion, a supporting rationale must be given concerning why the opinion cannot be provided.

 

 

K. Parakkal

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	P.M. Johnson, 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.