Citation Nr: 18155778
Decision Date: 12/06/18	Archive Date: 12/06/18

DOCKET NO. 16-43 446
DATE:	December 6, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to an initial compensable disability rating for a bilateral hearing loss disability is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran had active service from July 1966 to July 1968. 
This matter comes before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from a March 2016 rating decision of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO). 
Higher evaluation for bilateral hearing loss disability
With respect to the Veteran’s claim of entitlement to an initial compensable disability rating for a bilateral hearing loss disability, a statement of the case (SOC) was issued for this claim in July 2016.  Additional pertinent evidence, specifically a May 2017 VA audiological examination report, has since been associated with the claims file without a waiver of review.  Under this circumstance, the Board will remand this matter for AOJ consideration of the additional evidence received in the first instance and issuance of a supplemental statement of the case reflecting any further action required and consideration of that evidence.  See 38 C.F.R. §§ 19.31(a), 19.37(a).
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
Readjudicate the Veteran’s claim of entitlement to an initial compensable disability rating for a bilateral hearing loss disability, considering all evidence received since the July 2016 SOC.  If the benefit sought on appeal remains denied, provide the Veteran and his representative with an SSOC and an opportunity to respond.

 
KRISTI L. GUNN
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	Arif Syed, Counsel