Citation Nr: 21014126 Decision Date: 03/11/21 Archive Date: 03/11/21 DOCKET NO. 13-09 030 DATE: March 11, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty in the U.S. Air Force from September 1985 to September 1989. Entitlement to a TDIU is remanded. The Veteran is service-connected for the following disabilities : myofascitis of the neck, status post cervical strain, rated as 30 percent disabling; radiculopathy of the right upper extremity secondary to myofascitis of the neck, rated as 20 percent disabling; left upper extremity radiculopathy associated with myofascitis of the neck, rated as 20 percent disabling; tinnitus, rated as 10 percent disabling; pseudofolliculitis barbae, rated as 10 percent disabling; and headaches associated with myofascitis of the neck, rated as noncompensable. The Veteran’s combined disability evaluation rating is 70 percent. Although the Veteran does not have one single disability rated as 40 percent or more, his myofascitis of the neck, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy stem from the common etiology of the service-connected neck disorder, and combine to equal a 60 percent disability rating for purposes of establishing one disability ratable at 40 percent or more. 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a)(2). Accordingly, the Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU. 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a). The Veteran reports that he has been unemployed since 2019 when he had to resign from his part-time job as a custodian due to neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, arm pain, back pain, and shooting pains. Prior to 2017, he had a period of time where he was on workers compensation due to a back injury which occurred at his job with an airline company. See September 2020 VA Form 21-8940, Veteran’s Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability. VA examinations conducted in November 2017 reveal findings that the Veteran’s neck disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and migraine headache disability interfere with his ability to work. While the evidence indicates that the Veteran’s individual disabilities cause a decrease in his ability to work, there is no assessment as to the collective impact of all of his service-connected disabilities on his functional abilities with regard to activities of daily living and occupational skills. As such, a VA examination as to the specific functional deficits that the Veteran demonstrates, in light of his service-connected disabilities, and their impact on his ability to perform tasks of daily living and occupational tasks, should be obtained. 38 C.F.R. § 4.16. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: Forward the Veteran’s claims file, including a copy of this remand, to a VA vocational specialist if possible, or other suitably qualified VA examiner, to discuss the functional impact that the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities have on his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. If physical examination is indicated, it should be scheduled in accordance with applicable procedures. Following a thorough review of the evidence in the claims file, the examiner should fully describe any occupational and functional impairment resulting from the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities. All service-connected disabilities must be addressed. When addressing the occupational and functional effects, the examiner may consider the Veteran’s occupational and educational background, but must not consider the Veteran’s age or any non-service-connected disabilities. The examiner is advised that the Veteran is service-connected for myofascitis of the neck, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, tinnitus, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and headaches. A complete rationale must accompany any opinion provided. ANTHONY C. SCIRÉ, JR Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board M. Katz, 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.