Citation Nr: 22018137 Decision Date: 03/28/22 Archive Date: 03/28/22 DOCKET NO. 18-03 216 DATE: March 28, 2022 REMANDED The claim for a rating for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in excess of 70 percent is remanded. The claim for a total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU) rating is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran honorably served on active duty from January 2007 to November 2010. In an April 2017 rating decision, the Regional Office denied a rating for PTSD in excess of 70 percent and a TDIU rating. The Veteran appealed. In October 2021, he testified at a Board hearing, a transcript of which is of record. The hearing transcript reflects the Veteran's statements under oath suggesting that the severity levels of his PTSD have worsened since the last VA examination in February 2017. The Veteran also reported receiving regular getting mental health treatment. Unfortunately, the last VA progress note of record is dated August 23, 2017. It was requested that the Veteran obtain the records, but no additional records have been uploaded since the hearing. As such, the more recent mental health evaluation and medical treatment records should be obtained. Given that a TDIU rating is inextricably intertwined with the issue of PTSD, both issues must be decided together. Accordingly, the matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Obtain the Veteran's VA treatment records from August 24, 2017, onward, and assist him in obtaining any private medical records he may reasonably identify (to include Great Lakes hospital and St. Joseph's hospital). 2. Schedule an examination to evaluate the current severity level of the Veteran's PTSD. MATTHEW W. BLACKWELDER Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board Alex Bardin, Associate 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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.