Citation Nr: 18140788
Decision Date: 10/05/18	Archive Date: 10/05/18

DOCKET NO. 15-39 971
DATE:	 
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for a lower back disability is remanded.
Entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to acoustic trauma is remanded.
Entitlement to service connection for left ear infections is remanded.
Entitlement to service connection for tinnitus is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
1. Entitlement to service connection for a lower back disability is remanded.
In an October 2015 statement, the Veteran alleged that he injured his back in a motor vehicle accident in Germany in the summer of 1975.  He specifically requested that the VA look for these records in Germany.  
The Veteran’s DD  214 confirms that the Veteran’s country of last overseas service was Germany.  Additionally, the service treatment records include July 1975 reports from the U.S. Army Health Clinic in Aschaffenburg, Germany.  The records do not reflect a motor vehicle accident.  However, given that the Veteran was in Germany and has specifically requested that the VA look for records there, the Board finds that a remand is warranted.
Additionally, the Board notes that the Veteran’s separation examination took place in May 1975.  The alleged motor vehicle accident could have occurred after his separation examination but before his August 1975 separation from service.  
If the records are obtained, or if other evidence reflects that the Veteran was involved in a motor vehicle accident during service, then the Veteran should undergo a VA examination in order to determine the etiology of the back disability.  
2-4.  Entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and left ear infections are remanded.
At his April 2017 Board hearing, the Veteran testified that he has been receiving annual examinations from Dr. Miller.  These records are not associated with the claims file.  The Board finds that a remand is necessary so that the RO can attempt to obtain these records.
Additionally, the Board notes that the Veteran underwent a VA examination addressing his hearing loss and tinnitus.  However, the examination report did not address the Veteran’s left ear infections. The Board finds that a new VA examination is warranted to determine the etiology of all three disabilities.  
The matters are REMANDED for the following action:
1. Attempt to obtain additional records from the U.S. Army Health Clinic in Aschaffenburg, Germany, from June through August 1975.  Document all requests for information as well as all responses in the claims file.
2. If the additional service treatment records reflect that the Veteran was involved in a motor vehicle accident, or that he otherwise sustained a back injury, schedule an examination by an appropriate clinician to determine the nature and etiology of any back disability.   The examiner must opine whether it is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease, including a motor vehicle accident.  
3.  Send the Veteran an Authorization and Consent Form so that the RO can obtain the medical records of Dr. Miller.
4.  Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination by an appropriate clinician to determine the nature and etiology of any hearing loss, tinnitus, and left ear infections.  The examiner must opine whether it is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease, including due to conceded acoustic trauma during service.    
 
Eric S. Leboff
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	M. Prem, Counsel