Citation Nr: 18141872 Decision Date: 10/12/18 Archive Date: 10/11/18 DOCKET NO. 16-31 825 DATE: October 12, 2018 REMANDED Entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent disabling for service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is remanded. Entitlement to a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from July 1965 to April 1968. 1. Entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent disabling for service-connected PTSD is remanded. The Board finds that there are outstanding treatment records that must be obtained and associated with the claim file. At the December 2014 VA examination, the examiner indicated that she had reviewed mental health records available in the VA electronic medical record. These records are not currently associated with the claim file. Accordingly, the Board will remand to obtain these records. In addition, the Board finds that there are outstanding private treatment records. The Veteran has stated that he is being treated for his PTSD condition by L.G. and A.F. However, the only records from these private providers are three evaluations from three dates of treatment. While these evaluations are helpful, the Board requests that a complete record of the Veteran’s treatment be provided. Finally, given the amount of time that has passed since the most recent VA examination of December 2014, the Board will afford the Veteran the opportunity for a new examination. 2. Entitlement to a TDIU is remanded. The issue of TDIU is inextricably intertwined with the issue remaining on appeal; therefore, the Board will remand this issue as well. See Parker v. Brown, 7 Vet. App. 116 (1994); Harris v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. App. 180, 183 (1991) (two issues are “inextricably intertwined” when they are so closely tied together that a final Board decision cannot be rendered unless both are adjudicated). In addition, upon remand, the Board seeks further clarification regarding the Veteran’s work history. The December 2014 VA examination states that the Veteran quit multiple jobs due to irritability and problems getting along with people. However, his March 2015 application for a TDIU indicates that he worked as a mail handler at the same company from March 1978 to September 2006. An evaluation from his private treatment records reports that the Veteran worked with local farmers after service because he felt more comfortable with animals. Given the conflicting information, the Board seeks clarification upon remand. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. After securing any necessary consent forms from the Veteran, obtain any outstanding treatment records, to include any VA and/or private treatment records, pertaining to the issues on appeal. The Board points to potentially outstanding VA treatment records that were referenced by the December 2014 VA examiner, as well as private treatment records from L.G. and A.F. The Board seeks complete copies of these records, not just summaries written by the providers. All efforts to obtain these records should be noted in the claim file. If any records could not be obtained, this should also be noted in the claim file. 2. In addition, invite the Veteran to provide clarification of his work history. If necessary, provide the Veteran with a new VA Form 21-8940, and request that he supply the requisite information. The Board notes the following discrepancies in the record regarding the Veteran’s employment: the December 2014 VA examination states that the Veteran quit multiple jobs due to irritability and problems getting along with people; however, his March 2015 application for a TDIU indicates that he worked as a mail handler at the same company from March 1978 to September 2006; and an evaluation from his private treatment records reports that the Veteran worked with local farmers after service because he felt more comfortable with animals. Thereafter, take all appropriate action to adjudicate the Veteran’s TDIU claim. Such development may include, after obtaining the appropriate consent, contacting the Veteran’s previous employer(s) and providing them with a VA Form 21-4192. 3. Upon completion of the above, schedule the Veteran for the appropriate VA examination in order to determine the current severity of the service-connected disability on appeal, PTSD. In addition, the examiner should discuss what impact, if any, the Veteran’s service-connected disability has on his employability. For all examinations, all necessary development should be taken. The VA examiner should be given access to the claim file. The examiner should state that a review of the claim file was completed. The examiner must provide a comprehensive report including complete rationales for all opinions and conclusions reached, citing the objective medical findings leading to the conclusions. A detailed rationale is requested for all opinions provided. 4. If upon completion of the above action the issues are denied, the case should be returned to the Board after compliance with appellate procedures. E. I. VELEZ Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD K. Foster, Associate Counsel