Citation Nr: 21016153
Decision Date: 03/20/21	Archive Date: 03/20/21

DOCKET NO. 16-17 630
DATE: March 20, 2021

REMANDED

Entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty from October 1985 to October 1988.

This matter was previously before the Board in May 2019, at which time it was remanded for a VA examination. Unfortunately, the Board finds that another remand is required prior to final adjudication of the matter.

The Veteran was afforded a VA examination for his acquired psychiatric disorders in January 2020. The examiner’s opinions, however, appears to have based on factually inaccurate statements. The Evidence Review discusses the medical history of a different individual than this Veteran and it discusses medical examinations that are not referenced anywhere else in the record. Thus, the Board finds the matter must be remanded for a new opinion based upon an accurate review of the record.  

Lastly, records obtained from the St. Louis VA Medical Center in 2019,  indicate that the Veteran may have been seen at the Fayetteville, Arkansas VA Medical Center in 1990.  Any records of the Veteran’s treatment from the Fayetteville, Arkansas VA facility should be sought.  

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

1. Obtain any records of the Veteran’s VA treatment at the Fayetteville, Arkansas VA Medical Center from 1990 to 1996.  If no such records exist, that fact should be documented.  

2. After obtaining any additional records, seek  a VA medical opinion to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include, bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder. The claims file should be made available and reviewed by the opinion provider. If deemed necessary, afford the Veteran a VA examination. The opinion should address whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) that the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric disabilities had its onset during active duty or is otherwise related to an in-service disease or injury.

3. After the above development, and any additionally indicated development, has been completed, readjudicate the issues on appeal.

 

MICHAEL E. KILCOYNE

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans’ Appeals

Attorney for the Board	B. Jaigirdar, 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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.