Citation Nr: 21002260 Decision Date: 01/13/21 Archive Date: 01/13/21 DOCKET NO. 13-12 865 DATE: January 13, 2021 REMANDED An initial rating higher than 30 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder with secondary alcohol dependence in remission (PTSD) is remanded. An initial rating higher than 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the toes to the left foot associated with diabetes mellitus type II (hereinafter peripheral neuropathy of the left toes) is remanded. An initial rating higher than 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the toes to the right foot associated with diabetes mellitus type II (hereinafter peripheral neuropathy of the right toes) is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served honorably on active duty in the United States Army from March 1966 to February 1968. This matter comes before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from a June 2011 rating decision issued by a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO).   PTSD Peripheral Neuropathy of the Left and Right Toes In a May 2012 and April 2013 statement, the Veteran asserted that his PTSD and peripheral neuropathy of the toes have increased in severity since the Veteran was last examined by VA in March 2011. The Veteran should be provided an opportunity to report for a VA examination to ascertain the current severity and manifestations of his PTSD and peripheral neuropathy. In a February 2014 VA Form 646, the Veteran’s representative stated that the Veteran has additional VA treatment records that would show an increase in the severity of his peripheral neuropathy of the toes. Any VA treatment records are within VA’s constructive possession, and are considered potentially relevant to the issues on appeal. A remand is required to allow VA to obtain them. The matters are REMANDED for the following actions: 1. Obtain the Veteran’s VA treatment records for the period from May 2010 to the Present. 2. 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 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 PTSD alone. 3. Schedule the Veteran for an examination by an appropriate clinician to determine the current severity of his service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left and right toes. 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. JOHN Z. JONES Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board Michael Chandeck, Associate Counsel The Board’s decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.