Citation Nr: 18141001 Decision Date: 10/09/18 Archive Date: 10/09/18 DOCKET NO. 16-08 950 DATE: October 9, 2018 REMANDED Entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prior to June 27, 2012, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter, is remanded. Entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from January 1967 to June 1970. This matter comes to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) from a June 2012 rating decision which, in pertinent part, granted service connection for PTSD, evaluated as 10 percent disabling, effective October 11, 2011. This matter also comes to the Board from a July 2012 rating decision which denied entitlement to TDIU. In a January 2013 rating decision, the RO granted an increased 30 percent rating for PTSD, effective August 29, 2012. In a February 2016 rating decision, the RO granted an increased 30 percent rating for PTSD, effective October 11, 2011, with a 50 percent rating effective June 27, 2012. Entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to June 27, 2012, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter, and entitlement to TDIU are remanded. The Veteran contends that increased ratings are warranted for his PTSD. The Veteran was last afforded a VA examination in October 2012. Since then, treatment records reflect that the Veteran’s PTSD may have increased in severity, to include episodes of forgetting where he was and recognizing his grandchildren. In light of the nearly six years since the Veteran’s last VA examination, the Board finds that a new VA examination is warranted to assess the current severity of the Veteran’s service-connected PTSD. In addition, there may be outstanding treatment records through Barking Seal Counseling Services and/or the VA Vet Center. A January 2013 summary report reflects that the Veteran was being treated by Barking Seal Counseling Services after referral from the Vet Center. However, treatment records from Barking Seal and/or the Vet Center have not been associated with the Veteran’s claims file. A remand is required to allow VA to obtain them. Finally, because a decision on the remanded issue of an increased rating for PTSD could significantly impact a decision on the issue of entitlement to TDIU, the issues are inextricably intertwined. A remand of the claim for entitlement to TDIU is required. The matters are REMANDED for the following actions: 1. Obtain the Veteran’s VA treatment records for the period from January 2017 to present. 2. Ask the Veteran to complete a VA Form 21-4142 for Barking Seal Counseling Services and the Vet Center. After authorization is received, obtain any identified treatment records. Document all requests for information as well as all responses in the claims file. 3. Schedule the Veteran for an examination by an appropriate clinician to determine the current severity of his service-connected PTSD. The examiner should provide a full description of the disability and report all signs and symptoms necessary for evaluating the Veteran’s disability under the rating criteria. The examiner must attempt to elicit information regarding the severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms. To the extent possible, the examiner should identify any symptoms and social and occupational impairment due to his service-connected PTSD alone. 4. After completing the above, and any other development as may be indicated, the Veteran’s claims should be readjudicated based on the entirety of the evidence. If the claims remain denied, the Veteran and his representative should be issued a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC). An appropriate period of time should be allowed for response. Thereafter, the case should be returned to the Board for further appellate consideration, if otherwise in order. K. PARAKKAL Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD S. Owen, Associate Counsel