We recently secured a victory for our client, a veteran seeking service connection for PTSD, and avoided a lengthy briefing process. This case underscores the VA’s duty to assist veterans by diligently searching for records to support claims.

The Board of Veterans’ Appeals erred by not ensuring the VA’s search covered all relevant records. The VA mistakenly sent our client’s information to the Defense Personnel Records Information Retrieval System (DPRIS), which does not contain unit-specific records, rather than the Military Records Research Center (MRRC), the appropriate database for this claim type. Further, the VA did not attempt to verify our client’s second reported stressor, nor did it request Morning Reports from the National Personnel Records Center, which could contain critical supporting information.

Additionally, the Board failed to evaluate the adequacy of a 2018 VA examination. The Board incorrectly assumed the VA examiner’s opinion held more probative value solely because of their VA affiliation. Proper evaluation requires an examiner’s opinion to rely on factual accuracy and sound reasoning, regardless of employment status. Moreover, the 2018 examination used unspecified screening tools and overlooked potential explanations for inconsistencies, further reducing its reliability.

Based on VA’s agreement as to these errors, the Court ordered a remand, requiring the VA to exhaust all resources for locating relevant records and reevaluate the claim with comprehensive and adequate analysis. This decision reinforces the veteran’s right to thorough record searches and fair evaluations. Our team remains dedicated to ensuring veterans receive the benefits they deserve by holding the VA accountable in its duty to assist.