Citation Nr: 18124008
Decision Date: 08/06/18	Archive Date: 08/03/18

DOCKET NO. 15-17 497
DATE:	August 6, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for a cervical spine disorder is remanded.
Entitlement to an initial increased rating for traumatic brain injury, currently rated at 100 percent for traumatic brain injury with bipolar disorder and dextromethorphan dependence, and rated at 40 percent prior to June 22, 2012, and 70 percent from June 22, 2012, to May 23, 2015, is remanded.
Entitlement to a compensable initial rating for posttraumatic headaches is remanded.  
Entitlement to a total temporary rating based on July 2011 treatment is remanded.
Entitlement to a total temporary rating based on June 2013 treatment is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served on active duty from October 2002 to July 2008.

     
1. Entitlement to service connection for a cervical spine disorder is remanded.
2. Entitlement to an initial increased rating for traumatic brain injury, currently rated at 100 percent for traumatic brain injury with bipolar disorder and dextromethorphan dependence, and rated at 40 percent prior to June 22, 2012, and 70 percent from June 22, 2012, to May 23, 2015, is remanded.
3. Entitlement to a compensable initial rating for posttraumatic headaches.  
4. Entitlement to a total temporary rating based on July 2011 treatment is remanded.
5. Entitlement to a total temporary rating based on June 2013 treatment is remanded.
The record indicates that the Veteran has received disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) since March 2012.  Records in the possession of the SSA could be supportive of the Veteran’s claims.  Thus, further development to obtain those records is in order.  
The matters are REMANDED for the following action:
1. Undertake appropriate development to obtain a copy of any SSA disability determination(s) for the Veteran and a copy of the records associated with any such determination(s).
2. Thereafter, readjudicate the Veteran’s claims, with consideration of evidence associated with the record after the most recent adjudication of the claims.  If the benefits sought on appeal remain denied, the Veteran should be provided a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC).  The SSOC must contain notice of all relevant actions taken on the claims for benefits, to include a summary of the evidence and applicable law and regulations considered pertinent to the issue currently on appeal.  An appropriate period of time should be allowed for response.

 
T. REYNOLDS
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	N. Snyder, counsel

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