Citation Nr: 18153040
Decision Date: 11/27/18	Archive Date: 11/26/18

DOCKET NO. 15-21 787
DATE:	November 27, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to a rating greater than 50 percent for generalized anxiety disorder is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served on active duty from March 1975 to November 1976.
This matter comes before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from an April 2014 decision by a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO).
The Veteran withdrew his request for a Board hearing in August 2018.  
1. Entitlement to a rating greater than 50 percent for generalized anxiety disorder is remanded.
The Veteran was afforded a VA examination in March 2014.  At that time, the examiner noted that the Veteran’s GAD produced the following symptoms: anxiety, panic attacks, chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss, and difficulty establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships. 
Recent evidence indicates that the Veteran’s symptomatology may have worsened.  A March 2015 private mental health examination indicated the Veteran’s GAD produced recurrent panic attacks, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, prior suicidal ideation, thoughts of harming others, and circumstantial speech.  The private examiner noted that on examination the Veteran’s self-presentation was vague, rambling and uncertain.  Further, in the November 2018 IHP, the Veteran reported that his anxiety gets worse the older he gets and that it significantly limits his ability to live a healthy lifestyle.  In light of this new evidence suggesting a worsening of the Veteran’s GAD, the Board finds that a new VA examination is necessary to ascertain the current severity of the Veteran’s GAD.
Further, the evidence of record indicates there are outstanding treatment records.  During the March 2014 VA examination, the Veteran reported that he is currently seeking treatment for his anxiety at the VA in Salem, WV.  However, the most recent treatment records associated with the claims file are dated in June 2013.  As such, the agency of original jurisdiction should undertake appropriate development to obtain all relevant VA treatment records dated after June 2013.  
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1. Contact the Veteran, and, with his assistance, identify any outstanding records of pertinent medical treatment from VA or private health care providers.  In particular, obtain any outstanding treatment records from the Salem, WV VAMC dated after June 2013. 
2. Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and extent of his service-connected GAD.  The claims file is to be made available to the examiner to review.  The examiner is to provide a detailed review of the Veteran’s pertinent medical history, current complaints, and the nature and extent of the Veteran’s GAD symptoms.  A complete rationale for any opinion offered must be provided.
3. 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.
 
DONNIE R. HACHEY
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	K. Brandt