Citation Nr: 21072713 Decision Date: 12/06/21 Archive Date: 12/06/21 DOCKET NO. 10-46 181 DATE: December 6, 2021 REMANDED The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded. The issue of an initial rating of more than 10 percent from November 16, 2007, to April 5, 2016, and of more than 20 percent since April 6, 2016, for right knee degenerative joint disease, status post meniscus repair with scars, is remanded. The issue of entitlement to a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps from November 2005 to October 2006 and from December 2006 to November 2007. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. 1. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded. 2. The issue of an initial rating of more than 10 percent from November 16, 2007, to April 5, 2016, and of more than 20 percent since April 6, 2016, for right knee degenerative joint disease, status post meniscus repair with scars, is remanded. 3. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is remanded. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. BACKGROUND FOR THE RO ADJUDICATOR: Mail sent to the Veteran has consistently been returned as undeliverable. The RO has not undertaken the appropriate measures to determine the Veteran's current mailing address and recent documentation sent to him, including the July 2021 supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) and rating decision, were returned. Therefore, remand is necessary to follow all procedures to determine the Veteran's current address and to send him copies of all documents returned as undeliverable. Remand is also necessary to obtain a new VA medical opinion as to the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The March 2021 examination report stated that the diagnosed disorders began prior to service. However, the Veteran's November 2005 physical examination for service entrance indicates that he was normal for all psychiatric disorders and symptoms. Therefore, he is presumed sound on entry as to a psychiatric disorder and a new opinion must be obtained. 2. Follow all VA procedures to obtain the Veteran's current mailing address. All efforts taken to obtain a current address should be clearly documented in the file. If the Veteran's current address is obtained, provide him with all documents returned as undeliverable, including the July 2021 SSOC and rating decision. 3. Return the file to the VA examiner who conducted the March 2021 VA PTSD examination. If the examiner is not available, have the file reviewed by a similarly qualified examiner. If necessary to respond to the inquiries below, schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to obtain an opinion as to the nature and etiology of all identified acquired psychiatric disorders. All indicated tests and studies should be accomplished and the findings reported in detail. All relevant medical records must be made available to the examiner for review of pertinent documents. The examination report should specifically state that such a review was conducted. The examiner must provide a comprehensive explanation for all opinions provided. The examiner should address the following: (a.) Whether each identified acquired psychiatric disorder was caused by any in-service event, injury, disease, or disorder, or in any way originated during service, including as a result of reported in-service stressors and fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. (b.) Whether each identified acquired psychiatric disorder was caused by the Veteran's service connected right knee degenerative joint disease, status-post meniscus repair with scars. (c.) Whether each identified acquired psychiatric disorder was aggravated by the Veteran's service connected right knee degenerative joint disease, status-post meniscus repair with scars. The examiner is advised that the Veteran is presumed sound on entry into service as to any acquired psychiatric disorder and, therefore, an opinion stating that an acquired psychiatric disorder preexisted service is inadequate. Jacqueline E. Miller Acting Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board Michael J. O'Connor, 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.