Citation Nr: 21023281 Decision Date: 04/20/21 Archive Date: 04/20/21 DOCKET NO. 14-30 434 DATE: April 20, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to higher initial ratings for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prior to July 2, 2016, is remanded. Entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to July 2, 2016, is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran had active service from August 1976 to February 1977. In her substantive appeal, the Veteran requested a Board hearing at a local VA office. However, in October 2014 the Veteran requested that the Board hearing request be withdrawn and that she be provided a local hearing before a decision review officer instead. Therefore, the Board finds that the hearing request has been withdrawn and will proceed with appellate review. 38 C.F.R. § 20.704(e). In November 2019, the Board issued a decision denying entitlement to higher initial ratings for PTSD. The Veteran appealed that decision to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (Court). In October 2020, the Court vacated the November 2019 Board decision and remanded the issue for further consideration consistent with a Joint Motion for Partial Remand filed by counsel for the Veteran and the VA Secretary. The Veteran has been in receipt of a schedular 100 percent rating for PTSD and a TDIU since July 2, 2016. Therefore, the Board has limited the scope of the issues on appeal to the period prior to July 2, 2016. 1. Entitlement to higher initial ratings for PTSD prior to July 2, 2016, is remanded. 2. Entitlement to a TDIU prior to July 2, 2016, is remanded. A September 2012 VA psychology note indicates that the Veteran applied for Social Security Administration disability benefits. Efforts have not been made to obtain record from the Social Security Administration. Therefore, there may be outstanding and relevant Social Security Administration records. A remand is required to allow VA to request those records. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: Obtain the Veteran’s federal records from the Social Security Administration. Document all requests for information as well as all responses in the claims file. MICHAEL MARTIN Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board T. J. Anthony, 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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.