Citation Nr: 18152623
Decision Date: 11/23/18	Archive Date: 11/23/18

DOCKET NO. 16-54 256
DATE:	November 23, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran had active military service from November 1979 to November 1982.
This case comes before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from an April 2015 rating decision issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO).
The Veteran was most recently afforded an audiological examination for hearing loss in April 2015.  On his October 2016 substantive appeal, it was indicated that the Veteran’s bilateral hearing loss disability had worsened since his VA examination.  In that regard, the Veteran stated that significant nerve damage was found after his hearing examination.  As there is an indication that the Veteran’s hearing loss may have worsened since his last VA audiology evaluation, the Veteran should be afforded a new VA examination to determine the current level of severity of all impairment resulting from his bilateral hearing loss. 
Additionally, current treatment records should be identified and obtained.
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.
2. Then, schedule the Veteran for a VA audiology evaluation by an examiner with sufficient expertise to determine the current level of severity of all impairment resulting from his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.  The claims file must be made available to, and reviewed by the examiner.  All indicated tests and studies must be performed.  The examiner must provide all information required for rating purposes.
3. Confirm that the VA examination report comports with this remand, and undertake any other development found to be warranted.
4. Then, readjudicate the remaining issue on appeal.  If the 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	I. Cannaday, Associate Counsel