Citation Nr: 18151045 Decision Date: 11/16/18 Archive Date: 11/16/18 DOCKET NO. 16-51 776 DATE: November 16, 2018 REMANDED Entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty in the Army from January 2005 to May 2005 and from June 2006 to June 2009, including service in Iraq. Entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is remanded. The Veteran contends that his service-connected PTSD warrants a higher initial rating. A rating of 50 percent is effective from March 2, 2012. The Veteran received an initial VA PTSD examination in February 2013. The record demonstrates that the Veteran was scheduled for a VA psychological examination on August 19, 2016, but he failed to appear for the examination. In September 2016, the Veteran called VA to advise that he did not attend the scheduled examination because the notice was sent to the wrong address. He then provided an updated address and stated he would attend a rescheduled examination. The examination was not rescheduled. In a September 2016 rating decision, the RO granted an increased initial evaluation of 50 percent, effective from March 2, 2012. The Board notes that the record does not contain a copy of correspondence to the Veteran notifying him of the date and time of his scheduled VA examination. Additionally, there is no evidence in the file indicating that an examination notice was returned as undeliverable. In any event, the file correspondence clearly demonstrates that the Veteran moved to a different state in 2016 and had a new address. In light of the Veteran’s September 2016 telephone call to VA and the ambiguity in the record regarding whether the Veteran was properly notified of his scheduled VA examination, the Board finds that good cause is shown for the Veteran’s failure to attend the August 2016 VA examination. See 38 C.F.R. § 3.655. As the evidence suggests that the Veteran’s PTSD has increased in severity since the initial VA examination in February 2013, the Veteran should be rescheduled for a new VA examination. Proper notice of the date and time of this examination should be provided to the Veteran. The matter is REMANDED for the following action: 1. Obtain all outstanding VA treatment records. Any attempts to obtain these records and responses received thereafter should be associated with the Veteran’s claims file. The Veteran should also be offered the opportunity to submit any private treatment records in support of his claim. 2. Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected PTSD. The examiner should review the claims file. All necessary studies and tests should be conducted. The examiner should provide information as to whether the disability causes reduced reliability and productivity; deficiencies in most of the areas of work, school, family relations judgment, thinking and mood; or causes total social and occupational impairment. The examiner should also discuss the impact of the service-connected PTSD upon the Veteran’s ability to work. In rendering the requested opinion, the examiner must consider and discuss all pertinent medical and other objective evidence, as well as all lay assertions, to include any assertions as to the severity of symptoms. The examiner should explain the medical basis for the conclusions reached. 3. A copy of the notice informing the Veteran of the date, time, and location of the examination must be associated with the claims file. If that notice is returned by the Post Office as undeliverable, that fact must be noted in writing and associated with the claims file. The Veteran is advised that it is his responsibility to report for all scheduled VA examinations and to cooperate in the development of his claim. The consequences for failure to report for a VA examination without good cause may include denial of the claim. 38 C.F.R. § 3.655. JENNIFER HWA Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD J. Freeman, Associate Counsel