Citation Nr: 21042073 Decision Date: 07/11/21 Archive Date: 07/11/21 DOCKET NO. 19-20 203 DATE: July 11, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent disabling for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from April 1968 to January 1972. This matter is before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from a September 2018 rating decision by a Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office (RO). In June 2021, the Veteran testified at a Virtual Board hearing before the undersigned. PTSD The Veteran last underwent a VA PTSD examination in September 2018. At that time, the examiner noted a diagnosis for unspecified depressive disorder which was found manifested by occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress, or; symptoms controlled by medication. The examiner noted symptoms of depressed mood and anxiety. The Veteran denied any suicidal or homicidal ideation, intent or plan. More recent VA medical records submitted by the Veteran show that in June 2021, he presented with suicidal ideation and worsening depression. He also reported excessive worry about his health, irritability and restlessness. The Veteran was assessed with anxiety, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability and sleep disturbance. Another June 2021 record noted the Veteran had acute suicidal/homicidal ideations and was a danger to himself and others. He was admitted for psychiatric care and discharged a week later. Diagnoses for chronic PTSD and moderate recurrent major depressive disorder were provided. The Board notes that evidence of a change in the condition or allegation of worsening of the condition renders an examination inadequate for rating purposes. Palczewski v. Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 174, 182 (2007); see also Proscelle v. Derwinski, 2 Vet. App. 629 (1992). In consideration of recently added medical records evidencing a worsening condition, a remand is warranted for a new VA examination. 38 U.S.C. § 5103A; 38 C.F.R. § 3.159. The Board additionally notes that the Veteran receives treatment for his service-connected PTSD at his VA medical center. Apart from medical records submitted by the Veteran, the most recent VA medical record associated with the claims file is dated August 2018. Accordingly, in order to properly adjudicate this issue on appeal, updated VA medical records should be obtained and associated with the claims file. The matter is REMANDED for the following action: 1. With any necessary identification of sources by the Veteran, request all VA treatment records not already associated with the file from the Veteran's VA treatment facilities, including all records dating from August 2018, and all private treatment records from the Veteran not already associated with the file. 2. Then, schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected PTSD. The examiner should review the evidence associated with the record. The examiner should identify the nature, frequency, and severity of all current manifestations of the Veteran's psychiatric disorder and specify the degree of occupational or social impairment. S. HENEKS Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board C. Lamb, 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.