Citation Nr: 21008597
Decision Date: 02/17/21	Archive Date: 02/17/21

DOCKET NO. 20-09 072
DATE: February 17, 2021

REMANDED

Entitlement to an increased disability rating in excess of 50 percent for the service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is remanded.

Entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to a service-connected disability is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty from January 1969 to November 1970.

These matters come before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from an April 2018 rating decision by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO).

This appeal has been advanced on the Board's docket pursuant to 38 C.F.R. §20.900(c).  38 U.S.C. § 7107(a)(2).

1. Entitlement to an increased disability rating in excess of 50 percent for the service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is remanded.

2. Entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to a service-connected disability is remanded.

Upon review of the claims file, it appears the Veteran may be in receipt of Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits.  However, such records are not associated with the claims file.  Accordingly, SSA records should be obtained upon remand.  Updated treatment records should be obtained as well.

The matters are REMANDED for the following actions:

1. Request all documents pertaining to any application by the Veteran for SSA disability benefits, including the medical records considered in deciding the claim.

2. Ask the Veteran to provide the names and addresses of all medical care providers who have recently treated him for his claimed disability.  After securing any necessary releases, the AOJ should request any relevant records identified.  In addition, obtain updated VA treatment records.  If any requested records are unavailable, the Veteran and his representative should be notified of such.

 

 

ANTHONY C. SCIRÉ, JR

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans’ Appeals

Attorney for the Board	S. Medina, 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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.