Citation Nr: 21023106 Decision Date: 04/20/21 Archive Date: 04/20/21 DOCKET NO. 16-27 563 DATE: April 20, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran had active duty service from May 1976 to August 1977. This matter comes before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on an appeal from a January 2014 rating decision issued by a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO). In October 2018 the Board remanded this matter for further evidentiary development to include scheduling the Veteran for a VA psychological examination. The claims file reflects that in October 2019 a VA exam scheduling request was created. A November 2019 Exam Scheduling Request Contention Cancellation form reflects that this VA examination request was cancelled because the Veteran was a “no show” to the examination. However, this form does not indicate the date this purportedly scheduled VA psychological examination was to take place. The evidence also does not reflect that the Veteran was ever notified of any scheduled VA examination. Consequently, there has not been substantial compliance with the October 2018 Board remand directives and another remand is required. Stegall v. West, 11 Vet. App. 268, 271 (1998). The claim must be remanded again because the record does not show that the Veteran was notified of the VA examination ordered on remand. The Board reminds the Veteran the duty to assist is not always a one-way street, and he has an obligation to actively participate, to include attending a scheduled examination. See Wood v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. App. 190, 193 (1991). The Veteran is advised he is expected to cooperate in the efforts to adjudicate the claim, and his failure to do so may result in denial of his claim or the claim may be evaluated on the evidence of record. See 38 C.F.R. § 3.655. This matter is REMANDED for the following action: 1. Associate any outstanding VA treatment records. 2. Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination by a psychiatrist or psychologist. The entire claims file and a copy of this REMAND must be made available to the examiner in conjunction with the examination. The examiner must note in the examination report that the evidence in the claims file has been reviewed. (a.) A specific determination should be made as to whether the Veteran has a diagnosis of PTSD under the DSM-5 criteria. (b.) If the Veteran has PTSD, the examiner should review the claims folder to specifically include any evidence reflecting behavior changes at any time following the claimed personal assault(s) in service, including service treatment records and service personnel records, and provide an opinion as to whether the evidence indicates that the Veteran likely sustained a personal assault in service, as asserted. If so, then the examiner must comment as to whether the diagnosed PTSD is related to the in-service personal assault(s). A supporting rationale for all opinions expressed must be provided. If the examiner is unable to provide any opinion as requested, the examiner should fully explain the reason why such opinion could not be rendered. Jennifer White Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board Kyle McKone 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.