BVA9500620 
DOCKET NO.  93-11 552     )       DATE
          )
          )

On appeal from the decision of the
Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in San Juan,
Puerto Rico

THE ISSUE

Entitlement to an increased evaluation for a chronic
schizophrenic disorder, differentiated type, currently rated 50
percent disabling.

REPRESENTATION

Appellant represented by: American Red Cross

ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD

Hilary L. Goodman, Counsel

INTRODUCTION

The veteran had active service from June 1972 to August 1973.
This appeal arises from a February 1991 rating decision which
continued a 50 percent disability evaluation for a chronic
schizophrenic disorder, differentiated type.

The veteran had previously raised the issue of a total rating for
compensation purposes based on individual unemployability.  This
issue, which has not been adjudicated, is referred to the
originating agency for appropriate action.

REMAND

The veteran's representative has raised the issue of service
connection for alcoholism as secondary to the veteran's chronic
schizophrenic disorder.

In Harris v. Derwinski, 1 Vet.App. 180 (1991), the United States
Court of Veterans Appeals stated that, when two issues are
"inextricably intertwined," a decision on one issue would have a
significant impact on a claim for the second issue.  The Board of
Veterans' Appeals (Board) believes that, in light of the Harris
decision, the question of the veteran's possible entitlement to
service connection for alcoholism should be resolved prior to
final appellate consideration of the issue of his entitlement to
a disability evaluation in excess of 50 percent for his chronic
schizophrenic disorder.

It is herein noted that the veteran indicated in March 1993 that
he was receiving treatment for his psychiatric disability on a
fee basis.  The claims file does not include any current private
medical records.  In view of the foregoing, the Board finds that
the issue should be REMANDED to the originating agency for the
following action:

1.  The originating agency should contact
the veteran, through his representative, in
order to obtain written authorization for
the release of his private medical records.
After obtaining authorization, the
originating agency should request legible
copies of his treatment records from his
treating physician.  All records obtained
should be associated with the veteran's
claims file.

2.  The originating agency should request,
from the Department of Veterans Affairs
Medical Center, San Juan, legible copies of
the veteran's outpatient treatment records
dated subsequent to July 1990 as well as
inpatient treatment records dated
subsequent to March 1991.  All records
obtained should be associated with the
veteran's claims file.

3.  After the medical records have been
obtained, the veteran should be scheduled
for psychiatric examination.  The express
purpose of the examination is to evaluate
the current severity of his chronic
schizophrenic disorder, and to determine
the etiology of his alcoholism.  All
necessary tests and studies should be
conducted and clinical manifestations
should be reported in detail.  The examiner
should be given access to the veteran's
claims file for a sufficient period of time
prior to the examination to allow for a
complete review of the record.

4.  The originating agency should
adjudicate the issue of the veteran's
entitlement to service connection for
alcoholism as secondary to his chronic
schizophrenic disorder.  Any decision must
be supported by competent medical
authority.  The decision should be in
writing to ensure all due process.  The
veteran is to be informed of the
determination by letter that includes
appellate rights.

If the determination made on the issue of an increased evaluation
for his chronic schizophrenic disorder remains unfavorable to the
veteran, a supplemental statement of the case which sets forth
the evidence received since the January 1993 supplemental
statement of the case should be issued to the veteran and his
representative.  They should be given the appropriate period of
time in which to respond.  Thereafter, the case should be
returned to the Board for further consideration, if in order.  No
action is required by the veteran until he receives further
notice.  The purpose of this REMAND is to obtain clarifying
medical information and afford the veteran due process.

          ALBERT D. TUTERA
          Member, Board of Veterans' Appeals

The Board of Veterans' Appeals Administrative Procedures
Improvement Act, Pub. L. No. 103-271, § 6, 108 Stat. 740, ___
(1994), permits a proceeding instituted before the Board to be
assigned to an individual member of the Board for a
determination.  This proceeding has been assigned to an
individual member of the Board.

Under 38 U.S.C.A. § 7252 (West 1991), only a decision of the
Board of Veterans' Appeals is appealable to the United States
Court of Veterans Appeals.  This action has been taken in
accordance with the Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 1994,
Pub. L. No. 103-446, § 303, 108 Stat. 4645, ___ (1994), and is in
the nature of a preliminary order and does not constitute a
decision of the Board on the merits of your appeal.  38 C.F.R.
§ 20.1100(b) (1993).