Citation Nr: 18146533
Decision Date: 10/31/18	Archive Date: 10/31/18

DOCKET NO. 16-22 393
DATE:	October 31, 2018
REASONS FOR REMAND
Entitlement to total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded.
The Veteran served on active duty from January 1973 to January 1975.
This matter comes before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from an October 2013 rating decision of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO).
In March 2016, the Board remanded the matter for the issuance of a statement of the case (SOC).  The SOC was added to the record in May 2016, and the Veteran submitted a Form 9 that same month.
The Veteran is service connected for cervical spine degenerative changes, bilateral upper extremity cervical radiculopathy, residual scar associated with cervical spine surgery, tinea cruris, and tinnitus.
Following the issuance of the May 2016 SOC, additional relevant evidence was added to the claims file that has not been reviewed by the RO in the first instance.  For example, in December 2016, a VA examination for the Veteran’s bilateral upper extremities was conducted, and is relevant to the claim for TDIU.  Accordingly, the Board will remand for consideration of this evidence in the first instance.  
Reasons for Remand:
1. Obtain any relevant SSA records, to include those in connection with his July 2008 award of SSI benefits.
2. After completing the above, readjudicate the claim for TDIU.  If the benefit sought is denied, issue a supplemental statement of the case.
 
S. HENEKS
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	A. Wimbish, Associate Counsel