Citation Nr: 21074565
Decision Date: 12/15/21	Archive Date: 12/15/21

DOCKET NO. 19-04 418
DATE: December 15, 2021

REMANDED

Entitlement to an increased evaluation in excess of 50 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty in the United States Air Force from August 1952 to August 1956.  These matters come before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from a June 2016 rating decision by an Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The Veteran testified at a December 2021 virtual hearing held before the undersigned. This decision is being rendered prior to the production of a transcript of that hearing; given the favorable outcome, the Veteran is not prejudiced.

At his December 2021 hearing, the Veteran testified that he has suicidal thoughts a couple of times a week and experiences panic attacks once or twice a week.  The Veteran's most recent VA PTSD examination was in May 2016.  He testified that his symptoms have significantly worsened since this examination, particularly suicidal ideation.  He stated that he was willing to report for a VA examination. On remand, the Veteran should be afforded a new VA PTSD examination to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected PTSD.  See Snuffer v. Gober, 10 Vet. App. 400, 403 (1997).

A review of the file reveals updated VA treatment records need to be associated with the file.  Currently, records reflect treatment through September 2019. The Veteran testified that he continues to be treated for PTSD.

The matter is REMANDED for the following action:

1. Associate with the claims file updated VA treatment records from VAMC Madison and associated clinics. 

2. Schedule the Veteran for a VA PTSD examination to ascertain the current level and severity of his service-connected PTSD.  

The VA examiner must review and discuss all manifestations of PTSD, particularly the Veteran's increased suicidal ideation. 

3. Then, readjudicate the remanded issue. If the benefit sought remains denied, the Veteran and his representative should be provided with a supplemental statement of the case. The case should then be returned to the Board for appellate review if otherwise in order. 

 

WILLIAM H. DONNELLY

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	Margaret M. Lunger, 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.