Citation Nr: 22012226
Decision Date: 03/02/22	Archive Date: 03/02/22

DOCKET NO. 18-10 146
DATE: March 2, 2022

REMANDED

Entitlement to a rating in excess of 50 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with depressive disorder is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

Entitlement to a rating in excess of 50 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with depressive disorder is remanded.

The Veteran contends that he is entitled to a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, as the current symptoms are not contemplated by the assigned rating.  In the August 2021 hearing before the Board of Veterans Appeals, the Veteran asserted that the disability had worsened since the most recent VA examination.  The Veteran has not received a VA examination for PTSD since March 2018.  As a result of the duration of time since the prior examination, and the Veteran's assertion that the symptoms have worsened, additional examination is necessary.

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to ascertain the current severity of service connected PTSD with depressive disorder.  The examiner must review the record and should note that review in the report.  A rationale for all opinions should be provided.  The examiner should opine as to the levels of occupational and social impairment caused by the service-connected psychiatric disability and should describe the frequency and severity of symptoms resulting in those levels of impairment.  The examiner should specifically opine whether there are deficiencies such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.  The examiner should specifically opine whether total occupation and social impairment is shown.  The examiner should further provide an opinion as to the impact of the PTSD on the Veteran's vocational pursuits and whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to the service-connected disabilities.  If the Veteran is felt capable of work despite the service connected disabilities, the examiner should describe what type of work and what accommodations would be necessary due to the service-connected disabilities.  

 

 

Harvey P. Roberts

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	K. Cross, 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.