Citation Nr: 21076050 Decision Date: 12/22/21 Archive Date: 12/22/21 DOCKET NO. 19-38 814 DATE: December 22, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for the period prior to January 18, 2019 is remanded. Entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for the period from January 18, 2019 is remanded. Entitlement to a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU) is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran had active military service from August 1963 to August 1966. This matter is on appeal from October 2017 and October 2019 rating decisions. He testified before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge during an August 2021 hearing. The Veteran's testimony suggests that he is unable to work due to his PTSD symptoms. In light of the Veteran's testimony, the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) concludes the issue of entitlement to TDIU is before it. Rice v. Shinseki, 22 Vet. App. 447 (2009). 1. and 2. Entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for PTSD for the period prior to January 18, 2019 and in excess of 30 percent for the period from January 18, 2019 are remanded. During his August 2021 hearing, the Veteran asserted that his PTSD had increased in severity since he was last examined by VA. The Veteran should be provided an opportunity to report for a VA examination to ascertain the current severity and manifestations of his PTSD. 3. Entitlement to TDIU is remanded. The Veteran raised the issue of entitlement to TDIU during his hearing. The agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) should develop the issue. 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. 2. Ask the Veteran to complete a TDIU claim form, and inform him of the evidence needed to support a TDIU claim. 3. Schedule the Veteran for an examination by an appropriate psychiatrist or psychologist to determine the current severity of his service-connected PTSD. The Board recognizes the practical difficulties of scheduling an examination in view of the COVID-19 epidemic, and requests flexibility and understanding in affording the Veteran an opportunity to report for an examination. 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 PTSD alone. The examiner should elicit from the Veteran his complete educational, vocational, and employment history and should note his complaints regarding the impact of PTSD on employment. The examiner should identify all limitations or functional impairment caused solely by PTSD. All opinions must be supported by a rationale. A. C. MACKENZIE Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board E. Hicks, 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.