Citation Nr: 18140949 Decision Date: 10/09/18 Archive Date: 10/09/18 DOCKET NO. 16-28 799 DATE: October 9, 2018 REMANDED Entitlement to a compensable rating for residuals of small B-cell Hodgkin's lymphoma is remanded. Entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from August 1967 to March 1969. In a March 2016 rating decision, the Veteran’s service-connected small B-cell Hodgkin’s lymphoma was decreased from 100 percent to 0 percent, effective June 1, 2016. In the Veteran’s June 2016 substantive appeal, he asserted that he was forced into early retirement when his small B-cell Hodgkin’s lymphoma started. Accordingly, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) finds that a total disability rating claim based upon individual unemployability is part of the Veteran’s claim for an increased rating. See Rice v. Shinseki, 22 Vet. App. 447, 452-53 (2009). Neither the Veteran nor his representative has raised any other issues, nor have any other issues been reasonably raised by the record. See Doucette v. Shulkin, 28 Vet. App. 366 (2017). 1. Entitlement to a compensable rating for residuals of small B-cell Hodgkin's lymphoma is remanded. The Veteran contends his small B-cell Hodgkin’s lymphoma, although in remission, warrants a compensable rating due to residual symptoms. In the April 2016 notice of disagreement, the Veteran contends he has been diagnosed with nerve attacking lymphoma, and the residuals of his small B-cell Hodgkin’s lymphoma is affecting his balance and gait. In the June 2016 substantive appeal, the Veteran contends that residuals of the small B-cell Hodgkin’s lymphoma are affecting his nervous system, causing mobility problems. The Veteran also alludes to recent MRIs and recent treatment by neurosurgeon T.B. The most recent medical evidence in the Veteran’s file is dated August 2015. Prior to adjudication of the Veteran’s increased rating claim, the VA should request any outstanding treatment records relevant to the Veteran’s claim. In addition, considering the Veteran’s contentions of a nervous condition related to his service-connected small B-cell Hodgkin’s lymphoma; the Veteran should be afforded a VA examination to determine if any nervous condition is caused by the Veteran’s small B-cell Hodgkin’s lymphoma. 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(c)(4). 2. Entitlement to a TDIU Finally, because a decision on the issue of entitlement to a compensable rating for residuals of small B-cell Hodgkin’s lymphoma could significantly impact a decision on the issue of a TDIU, the issues are inextricably intertwined. Therefore, a remand of the claim for a TDIU is required. The matter is REMANDED for the following action: 1. Furnish the Veteran with a 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(b) notice letter and a VA Form 8940 as to the TDIU claim. 2. Make efforts to obtain all outstanding medical records regarding the Veteran’s residuals of small B-cell Hodgkin’s lymphoma, to include MRIs and records from Dr. T.B. in accordance with the duties set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(c). 3. After all outstanding records have been associated with the claims file, forward the Veteran’s file to a qualified VA medical professional in order to obtain a VA examination (encompassing the nervous system) and opinion as to the current nature and etiology of any current nervous conditions attributable to small B-cell Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The claims file, to include a copy of this REMAND, must be made available to and be reviewed by the examiner(s). The examiner(s) is asked to address the following: (a.) Identify and diagnose any current (at any point during appeal period) nervous system condition; (b.) For each diagnosed nervous system condition, provide an opinion as to whether the condition at least as likely as not (a 50 percent or greater probability) was caused or aggravated (increased in severity beyond the natural progress of the disorder) by the service-connected back small B-cell Hodgkin’s lymphoma. All additional symptoms attributed to the small B-cell Hodgkin’s lymphoma should be addressed as well. (Continued on the next page)   All opinions must be supported by a detailed rationale A. C. MACKENZIE Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD B. N. Quarles, Associate Counsel