Citation Nr: 18154638
Decision Date: 11/30/18	Archive Date: 11/30/18

DOCKET NO. 16-55 964
DATE:	November 30, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with alcohol and substance abuse in remission is remanded.
Entitlement to a total rating based on individual employability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran had active military service from March 1969 to September 1970.  This matter is on appeal from a November 2015 rating decision.
The Veteran was last provided a VA mental health examination in November 2015, more than three years ago, and there are no treatment records dated past October 2016, despite documented frequent treatment up to that point.  The Veteran should be provided an opportunity to report for a VA examination to ascertain the current severity and manifestations of his psychiatric disability.  As the TDIU claim is intertwined with the increased rating claim, it must also be remanded.  
The matters are REMANDED for the following action:
1. In accordance with the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(c)(1), make efforts to obtain all records identified by the Veteran, including any outstanding VA treatment records and records from Dr. H.J. 
2. Schedule the Veteran for a VA mental health examination, with a psychiatrist or psychologist, to determine the current severity of his service-connected PTSD with alcohol and substance abuse in remission.  The most up-to-date Disability Benefits Questionnaire should be utilized.  The examiner should provide a full description of the disability and report all signs and symptoms necessary for evaluating the Veteran’s disability 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 symptoms and social and occupational impairment due to his service-connected psychiatric disorder alone. The examiner should elicit from the Veteran his complete educational, vocational, and employment history and should note his complaints regarding the impact of his psychiatric disability on employment.  
 
A.C. MACKENZIE
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	L. Barstow, Counsel