Citation Nr: 21073563 Decision Date: 12/09/21 Archive Date: 12/09/21 DOCKET NO. 15-37 974A DATE: December 9, 2021 REMANDED A compensable rating for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A rating in excess of 10 percent for dysthymic disorder, hypochondriasis. Service connection for a cardiovascular (CV) disorder. Service connection for bipolar disorder. Service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran failed to appear for scheduled VA examinations in January 2013 regarding all of his claims. However, as he maintained, review of the claims file indicates that the examinations scheduled in January 2013 were listed under a different Veteran's name and different address. As such, there is not sufficient evidence of record showing that he was properly notified of the January 2013 examinations. While the record also contains November 2020 VA examination requests which were canceled by VA, nothing in the record shows that the Veteran failed to report for any such examinations. A "Veteran Contact History" sheet in the claims file stated that there was telephonic contact and a letter delivered to the Veteran via courier in December 2020; however, there is no copy of any notification letter of record, nor, as stated above, is there any documentation of record indicating that he failed to appear for any such examination(s). Indeed, the October 2021 written argument indicates that the only VA examination(s) he was aware of being informed that he failed to report to were the January 2013 VA examinations. Under the circumstances, a remand is necessary to schedule the requested VA examinations. In addition, the Veteran indicated he was in receipt of medical treatment from private facilities/doctors. In a December 2020 letter, VA requested that he complete and return the VA Form(s) 21-4142 so that VA could obtain the private treatment records. However, he did not complete and return the forms. As such, on remand he should be afforded another opportunity to complete and submit the forms so that VA may obtain the private treatment records. Finally, the Veteran should be requested to provide information regarding the details of his claimed stressor(s) which serves as the basis for his PTSD claim. If he provides such information, all development action must be undertaken to corroborate the claimed stressor(s). The matters are REMANDED for the following actions: 1. Contact the Veteran and request that he complete and return a VA Form 21-4142, Authorization and Consent to Release Information, for the private treatment records for his disabilities from Poke County Health Clinic, Watson Clinic, Winter Haven Hospital and any other private treatment providers. 2. If the Veteran completes and returns the VA Form 21-4142, Authorization and Consent to Release Information, contact the appropriate medical care provider(s) and request copies for association with the electronic claims file of any and all records of treatment that he received from the medical care provider(s), to include surgical reports, hospital reports, and treatment reports. 3. Any documents received by VA pursuant to the request for private treatment records should be associated with the record. At least two requests for the private records should be made, unless it is made evident by the first request that a second request would be futile in obtaining such records. 4. Any negative responses should be properly documented in the record. Notify the Veteran and the representative if the private treatment records are unavailable. 5. Contact the Veteran and request additional specific information regarding his claimed stressor(s) supporting his claim for service connection for PTSD. 6. If sufficient identifying information is received from the Veteran, undertake all appropriate development efforts to verify the stressor(s) with the appropriate records repository. 7. Notify the Veteran that his failure to respond to any request for information may result in a denial of his claims. 8. All attempts to verify the identified stressor(s) must be documented in the claims file. If the AOJ is unable to request verification, or the stressor cannot be verified, it must also be documented in the claims file. 9. Schedule the Veteran for an examination to assess the current severity of dysthymic disorder, hypochondriasis. The claims folder must be provided to the examiner in conjunction with the examination. All pertinent symptomatology and findings must be reported in detail and in accordance with VA rating criteria. Any indicated diagnostic tests and studies must be accomplished. 10. Schedule the Veteran for an examination to assess the current severity of IBS. The claims folder must be provided to the examiner in conjunction with the examination. All pertinent symptomatology and findings must be reported in detail and in accordance with VA rating criteria. Any indicated diagnostic tests and studies must be accomplished. 11. Schedule the Veteran for an examination to determine the nature and etiology of PTSD and his currently diagnosed bipolar disorder. The examiner must rule in or rule out a diagnosis of PTSD. If a diagnosis of PTSD is rendered, the examiner should provide an opinion regarding whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) that PTSD is causally or etiologically related to service, to include the in-service findings of nervousness, stress, and moderate to severe depression. The examiner should also provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) that the current bipolar disorder is causally or etiologically related to service, to include the in-service findings of nervousness, stress, and moderate to severe depression. A complete rationale for all stated opinions must be provided. 12. Schedule the Veteran for an examination to determine that nature and etiology of any current CV disorder. The examiner must state whether the Veteran has a distinct heart/cardiac disorder, separate and apart from the cardiac symptoms he experiences as part of his service-connected dysthymic disorder, hypochondriasis manifested by chest pains and loss of consciousness. If the Veteran has a diagnosis of a separate and distinct heart/cardiac disorder, the examiner should provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent or better probability) that the heart/cardiac disorder is causally or etiologically related to service, to include the heart/cardiac symptoms he experienced therein. A complete rationale for all stated opinions must be provided. L. HOWELL Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board E. Redman, 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.