Citation Nr: 23027290
Decision Date: 05/08/23	Archive Date: 05/08/23

DOCKET NO. 18-24 905
DATE: May 8, 2023

REMANDED

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

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty from June 1964 to December 1967, including service in the Republic of Vietnam.

This matter comes before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) from an August 2016 rating decision of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO).  The Veteran testified at a Board hearing in December 2020.  

The Board finds that a new examination is needed as the Veteran has endorsed new symptoms indicate either worsening or that symptoms were not contemplated. AT the December 2020 hearing, the Veteran continued to report suicidal ideation, yet none of the examinations listed this as a symptom. Additionally, the Veteran reported that every night he must check the windows, locks, and lights, demonstrating that he may suffer from obsessional rituals. Finally, he reported that he sometimes does not get dressed, shower, or brush his teeth. A current examination is thus necessary.

 

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

Provide the Veteran with an appropriate examination to determine the severity of the service-connected PTSD.  The entire claims file must be reviewed by the examiner.  An explanation for all opinions expressed must be provided.  The relevant Disability Benefits Questionnaire must be utilized.  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.

 

 

K. MILLIKAN

Acting Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.