Citation Nr: 18152464
Decision Date: 11/27/18	Archive Date: 11/23/18

DOCKET NO. 16-42 902
DATE:	November 27, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to an increased rating for a bilateral hearing loss disability is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran had active air service from June 1968 to August 1991.
This case comes before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from a July 2015 rating decision issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO) in Reno, Nevada. 
In the July 2015 rating decision, the RO continued a noncompensable rating for the Veteran’s bilateral hearing loss disability.  He appealed, seeking a higher rating.  In a February 2018 rating decision, the RO increased the rating to 30 percent effective November 9, 2017.  Because the Veteran is presumed to seek the maximum available benefits, this issue remains on appeal.  See AB v. Brown, 6 Vet. App. 35, 38 (1993).
A January 2013 VA audiology record indicates that the audiogram is viewable in the Computerized Patient Records System (CPRS) under the tools menu; however, that audiogram has not been associated with the claims file.  Therefore, a remand is required to obtain the outstanding VA audiogram.
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1. Identify and obtain any pertinent, outstanding VA and private treatment records and associate them with the claims file. 
The Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) should also obtain any outstanding audiograms located in CPRS, including the January 2013 audiogram. 
2. After undertaking any other development found to be warranted, readjudicate the issue on appeal.  If a decision is adverse to the Veteran, issue a supplemental statement of the case and allow appropriate time for response.  Then, return the case to the Board. 
 
Kristin Haddock
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	S. Mishalanie, Counsel