Citation Nr: 21027747
Decision Date: 05/06/21	Archive Date: 05/06/21

DOCKET NO. 17-23 793
DATE: May 6, 2021

REMANDED

A rating in excess of 50 percent for a psychiatric disorder to include other specified stressor related disorder with persistent depressive disorder.

 

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty from January 2008 to January 2011.

The case is on appeal from a September 2016 rating decision.

In May 2021, the Veteran testified at a Board hearing.

A rating in excess of 50 percent for a psychiatric disorder to include other specified stressor related disorder with persistent depressive disorder.

The Veteran contends his service-connected psychiatric disorder warrants an increased rating.  During the May 2021 Board hearing, the Veteran reported that his condition worsened since the most recent VA examinations in November 2015 and September 2016.  In this regard, he testified that he experiences occupational impairment, anxiety, panic, social isolation, suicidal ideation, hypervigilance, and memory impairment.  

The Board finds there is evidence suggesting a possible worsening of the Veteran's psychiatric symptoms since the most recent VA examinations.  As such, a new VA psychiatric examination is warranted to determine the current nature and severity of his psychiatric disorder.  See Snuffer v. Gober, 10 Vet. App. 400, 403 (1997).

In light of the remand, any updated VA treatment records should be obtained.

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

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1. Updated VA treatment records should be obtained since October 2016.

2. Schedule the Veteran for an examination (or telehealth interview, records request, etc. if an in-person examination is not feasible) by an appropriate clinician to assess the severity of the service-connected psychiatric disorder.

 

 

RYAN T. KESSEL

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.