Citation Nr: 18147460
Decision Date: 11/06/18	Archive Date: 11/05/18

DOCKET NO. 17-16 951
DATE:	November 6, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to a rating in excess of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder is remanded.
Entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU) is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served on active duty in the U.S. Army from February 1970 to July 1991.  His decorations include the Vietnam Service Medal.
This matter comes to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from a January 2016 rating decision issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
1.  Entitlement to a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, major depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder is remanded.
The Veteran was examined for VA compensation purposes in December 2015.  His symptoms at that time were noted to include depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, and chronic sleep impairment.  The VA examiner indicated that the Veteran’s service-connected acquired psychiatric disorders were productive of occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decreased work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress, or; symptoms controlled by medication. 
The Veteran had a private assessment performed in March 2016.  He indicated, among other things, that he experienced weekly auditory hallucinations and panic attacks.  Under the circumstances, a remand is warranted to afford the Veteran a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected psychiatric conditions.
2.  Entitlement to a TDIU is remanded.
Because a decision on the remanded issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, major depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder could significantly impact a decision on the issue of entitlement to a TDIU, the issues are inextricably intertwined.  As such, the claim for a TDIU will be remanded as well.
These matters are REMANDED for the following actions:
1.  Schedule the Veteran for an examination by an appropriate clinician to determine the current severity of his service-connected PTSD, major depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder.  The examiner should provide a full description of the disability and report all signs and symptoms necessary for evaluating the disability under the relevant rating criteria.  To the extent possible, the examiner should discuss the effect of the Veteran’s PTSD, major depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder on occupational functioning and activities of daily living.  
2.  After the above development, and any additionally indicated development, has been completed, readjudicate the issues on appeal, including the inextricably intertwined issue of entitlement to a TDIU.  If the benefits sought are not granted to the Veteran’s satisfaction, send him a supplemental statement of the case and provide an opportunity to respond.  If necessary, return the case to the Board for further appellate review.
 
DAVID A. BRENNINGMEYER
Acting Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	R. R. Watkins, Counsel