BVA9502015 
DOCKET NO.  93-07 248     )       DATE
          )
          )

On appeal from the decision of the
Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Fargo, North
Dakota

THE ISSUE

Entitlement to service connection for a chronic acquired
psychiatric disability.

REPRESENTATION

Appellant represented by: The American Legion

WITNESS AT HEARING ON APPEAL

Appellant

ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD

C. Lawson, Counsel

INTRODUCTION

The appellant served on active duty from May 17, 1987 to July 7,
1987.  The Fargo, North Dakota Medical and Regional Office Center
(RO) denied the benefits sought.  The appellant presented
testimony at a hearing held there in June 1992.

REMAND

The claims folder contains a pre-enlistment examination bearing
dates in December 1985 and January 1986 which is negative for the
existence of a psychiatric disorder.  It is possible that a
subsequent pre-enlistment examination was conducted closer in
time to May 1987.  However, if such an examination was conducted,
a report of it is not of record.

In June 1987 the veteran was seen at the mental hygiene clinic at
Lakeland Air Force Base.  An abbreviated medical record of this
evaluation lists a diagnosis of adjustment disorder with
depressed mood.  Occupational problems were noted and it was also
reported that the veteran had eccentric features including
obsessive concern with committing "sins".  A narrative report of
this evaluation(s) is not of record and it is not clear whether
additional records exist.  The abbreviated record appears to make
reference to other mental hygiene clinic records.

A service discharge examination, if one was conducted, is not in
the claims folder.  It is essential that the appellate record
contain complete service medical records, to the extent they are
available.

At the hearing in June 1992 the veteran's representative referred
to counseling reports from the veteran's drill instructor and at
least one visit to the Chaplain in late May and possibly early
June 1987.  These records which the representative appeared to
have with him at the hearing are not in the claims folder.

A December 1987 report from R. P. Ascano, Ph.D. indicates that
the appellant received psychiatric evaluation or treatment at
facilities whose records are not contained in the claims folder
and whose records would be helpful to consider in order to
evaluate his claim.  Additionally, the VA has not provided the
appellant with a VA psychiatric examination which might assist
him with his claim.

Accordingly, the case is REMANDED to the RO for the following
action:

1.  The RO should obtain the complete
service medical records and complete
service personnel records for association
with the claims folder including any pre-
enlistment examination after January 1986,
complete mental hygiene clinic records at
Lakeland Air Force Base in June 1987, the
report of a service discharge examination,
and counseling records of the drill
instructor and Chaplain.

2.  The RO should obtain all clinical
records of evaluation and/or treatment the
veteran received from the University of
Minnesota Hospital in 1979, and from the
Lakeland Mental Health Center in 1978 and
1985.

3.  Thereafter, a VA psychiatric
examination should be conducted to
determine the nature, extent, and severity
of psychiatric disability present.  All
pertinent indicated tests and studies,
including psychological tests, should
be performed, and the results thereof
should be reported in detail.  Based on
the examination findings and a review of
the entire claims folder, the examining
physician should express an opinion as to
the correct psychiatric diagnoses prior to
during and subsequent to service; and
whether any acquired psychiatric disorder
which may have pre-existed service,
increased in severity during service.  The
claims folder should be made available
for review prior to examination.

Thereafter, the case should again be reviewed by the RO.  If any
action remains adverse to the appellant, the case should be
returned to this Board in accordance with the usual appellate
procedures.  No action is required of the appellant until he is
further informed.  The purpose of this REMAND is to assist the
appellant.  No inference is to be drawn regarding the final
disposition of the claim.

          ____________________________
BRUCE E. HYMAN
          Member, Board of Veterans' Appeals

The Board of Veterans' Appeals Administrative Procedures
Improvement Act, Pub. L. No. 103-271, § 6, 108 Stat. 740, ___
(1994), permits a proceeding instituted before the Board to be
assigned to an individual member of the Board for a
determination.  This proceeding has been assigned to an
individual member of the Board.

Under 38 U.S.C.A. § 7252 (West 1991), only a decision of the
Board of Veterans' Appeals is appealable to the United States
Court of Veterans Appeals.  This remand is in the nature of a
preliminary order and does not constitute a decision of the Board
on the merits of your appeal.  38 C.F.R. § 20.1100(b) (1993).