Citation Nr: 21014646 Decision Date: 03/15/21 Archive Date: 03/15/21 DOCKET NO. 20-00 969 DATE: March 15, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from March 2009 to April 2010. The Veteran testified before the undersigned at a February 2021 Virtual Board hearing. The hearing transcript is of record. Entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is remanded. The most recent VA examination in connection with the Veteran's service-connected PTSD was conducted approximately three years ago, in March 2018. Evidence of record shows that the Veteran's disability may have increased in severity since that time. See July 2019 notice of disagreement (NOD), January 2020 VA Form 9, February 2020 Board Virtual Hearing transcript, treatment records from the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), Kahului, Hawaii dated from June 30, 2010 to December 9, 2019, and treatment records from the Vet Center, Kahului, Hawaii dated from October 18, 2011 to May 30, 2018. Given the evidence of increased symptomatology, a new VA examination is warranted. See Green v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. App. 121, 124 (1991) (VA has a duty to provide the Veteran with a thorough and contemporaneous medical examination). The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Updated treatment records should be obtained and added to the claims folder/efolder. 2. After completing the above, schedule the Veteran for an appropriate VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected PTSD. The claims folder, including a copy of this Remand, must be made available to the examiner in conjunction with the examination. A notation to the effect that this record review took place should be included in the examination report. All indicated studies should be performed. The examiner should specifically provide the following: (a.) The examiner should identify the existence and severity of all current manifestations of the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. 3. (b.) The examiner should describe the impact of the Veteran's PTSD on his occupational and social functioning. He/she should comment on functional impairment caused solely by the service-connected PTSD, relative to the Veteran's ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. If the Veteran is felt able to work, the examiner should state what type of work and what, if any, accommodations would be needed due to his service-connected PTSD. A complete rationale should be given for all opinions and conclusions expressed. 3. After ensuring compliance with the instructions above and undertaking any additional development deemed necessary, readjudicate the claim. If the benefit sought on appeal remains denied, issue the Veteran and his representative a supplemental statement of the case, and allow the appropriate period of time for response. Then, return the case to the Board, if in order. KELLI A. KORDICH Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board F. Yankey, 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.