Citation Nr: 21041246 Decision Date: 07/08/21 Archive Date: 07/08/21 DOCKET NO. 18-14 924 DATE: July 8, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty with the United States Coast Guard from May 6, 1985 to September 10, 1986. This matter comes before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from a May 2017 rating decision of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO). In November 2020, the Veteran testified at a Board hearing before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge. A transcript of the hearing has been associated with the claims file. While the Veteran initially filed a claim for entitlement to service connection for PTSD, in light of Clemons v. Shinseki, 23 Vet. App. 1 (2009), the Board finds that it is appropriate to recharacterize the claim more broadly as one of entitlement to an increased rating for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and an unspecified anxiety disorder. Entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) is remanded. More information is needed to allow the Board to make a fully-informed decision. It is unclear whether the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD under the DSM-5. The Veteran's VA treatment notes document ongoing treatment for PTSD symptoms, but do not appear to include a diagnosis of PTSD. The Board notes that a May 2016 treatment record indicates a DSM-5 diagnosis of unspecified anxiety disorder. Additionally, while the Veteran has a current diagnosis of an unspecified anxiety disorder, no examiner has opined whether the diagnosis is at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's military service to include any incidents aboard the USCGS Decisive (WEMC 629). The Board also notes that the Veteran was recommended for professional counseling by his executive officer during his active service. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Conduct any additional necessary development regarding the Veteran's alleged stressors, that reportedly occurred while his Coast Guard vessel was engaged in humanitarian aid in Hiati. 2. Obtain any updated VA and private treatment records. 3. Schedule the Veteran for a psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or any other acquired psychiatric disorder. If the Veteran is diagnosed with PTSD, the examiner must explain how the diagnostic criteria are met and opine whether it is at least as likely as not related to a verified in-service stressor. If any other acquired psychiatric disorders are diagnosed, the examiner must opine whether each diagnosed disorder is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. L. M. BARNARD Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board M.D. Taylor, 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.