Citation Nr: 18138564
Decision Date: 09/26/18	Archive Date: 09/25/18

DOCKET NO. 16-24 658
DATE:	September 26, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran had active military service from April 1996 to May 2000. This matter comes before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal of a December 2015 rating decision by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO).
While the Board acknowledges that the Veteran has submitted a RAMP opt-in election form, the appeal had already been activated at the Board, and is therefore no longer eligible for the RAMP program.
Entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD
The Board regrets the delay but finds that a remand is required before the claim   for an increased rating for PTSD may be adjudicated.  The record indicates that the Veteran’s PTSD was last evaluated in November 2015.  As the Veteran’s service-connected condition may have worsened, the Board finds that a new VA examination is warranted.
Further, a review of the record indicates that the most recent treatment records associated with the file were dated in July 2016. Updated treatment records should be requested.  
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1. Ask the Veteran to provide the names and addresses of all medical care providers who have recently treated her for her PTSD.  After securing any necessary releases, request any relevant records identified. In addition, obtain updated VA treatment records.  If any requested records are unavailable, the Veteran should be notified   of such.
2. Then schedule the Veteran for a VA mental health examination to determine the current severity of her    PTSD.  The claims file should be reviewed by the examiner. All necessary tests should be performed           and the results reported.  All symptomatology       associated with her PTSD should be reported.
 
K. A. BANFIELD
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	Rachel Mamis, Associate Counsel