Citation Nr: 18147523
Decision Date: 11/06/18	Archive Date: 11/05/18

DOCKET NO. 18-17 187
DATE:	November 6, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served on active duty in the U.S. Army from March 2005 to June 2006.  He also had service in the Army National Guard.
This matter comes to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from a November 2016 rating decision issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO) in San Juan, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is remanded.
In an October 2018 deferred rating, the RO, among other things, ordered a VA PTSD review examination based on allegations of worsening symptoms.  This matter must be remanded to allow that examination to occur.
This matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1.  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 PTSD 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 social and occupational impairment due to his service-connected PTSD alone.
2.  After the above development, and any additionally indicated development, has been completed, readjudicate the issue on appeal.  If the benefit sought is not granted to the Veteran’s satisfaction, send the Veteran and his representative 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	J. Fowler, Associate Counsel