Citation Nr: 18141879
Decision Date: 10/12/18	Archive Date: 10/11/18

DOCKET NO. 15-07 251
DATE:	October 12, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to a lumbar spine disorder, to include degenerative disc disease (DDD), is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served on active duty in the United States Army from January 1979 to January 1980, followed by service in the Army Reserve.
1. Entitlement to a lumbar spine disorder, to include degenerative disc disease (DDD), is remanded.
Remand is required to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records. It is necessary to ensure that there is a complete record upon which to decide the Veteran’s claim so that she is afforded every possible consideration. VA has a duty to assist claimants to obtain evidence needed to substantiate a claim, including making reasonable efforts to obtain relevant federal and private medical records. 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(c)(1).
A review of the record revealed that in February 2013 the Veteran submitted a SSA letter stating that she was granted disability benefits. There is no indication in the record that VA attempted to obtain these records. These records are of interest as they could include information regarding the diagnosis and etiology of the Veteran’s lumbar spine disorder. 
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
Obtain the Veteran’s federal records from Social Security Administration (SSA). Document all requests for information as well as all responses in the claims file. 

 
CAROLINE B. FLEMING
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	M. Thompson, Associate Counsel