Citation Nr: 18144200
Decision Date: 10/24/18	Archive Date: 10/23/18

DOCKET NO. 18-16 098
DATE:	October 24, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for nodular sclerosing Hodgkin’s disease, to include as a result of exposure to Agent Orange, is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served on active duty in the United States Army from September 1986 to April 1989, after which he was honorably discharged.  He also served in the United States Army from April 1989 to February 1994, after which he was dishonorably discharged.  A hearing was not requested.  
In his February 2016 claim form, the Veteran states that he seeks benefits under his first enlistment because this was the time period when he feels that his job duties resulted in exposure to Agent Orange.
1. Entitlement to service connection for nodular sclerosing Hodgkin’s disease, to include as a result of exposure to Agent Orange
In his February 2016 claim form, the Veteran indicates that he is receiving social security disability benefits.  In March 2016, the Veteran submitted documentation indicating the monthly amount of social security benefits that he is receiving.  
The Veteran’s Social Security Administration records are not associated with the claims file.  Those records may be relevant to the Veteran’s claim.  See Murincsak v. Derwinski, 2 Vet. App. 363, 372 (1992) (holding that the duty to assist requires obtaining Social Security records of which the Board has notice).  Therefore, the Veteran’s records from SSA should be obtained.  As these records may impact the disposition of the Veteran’s claim, a remand is required.
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
Obtain the Veteran’s federal records from the Social Security Administration.  Document all requests for information and all responses in the claims file.  If no records are available, the claims folder must indicate this fact.
 
Michael J. Skaltsounis
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	B. Cannon, Associate Counsel