Citation Nr: 18157099
Decision Date: 12/11/18	Archive Date: 12/11/18

DOCKET NO. 17-18 118
DATE:	December 11, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.
Entitlement to service connection for tinnitus is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran had active service from September 1955 to March 1959.  These matters come before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from an October 2015 rating decision of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO).
1. Entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.
The Veteran contends he has bilateral hearing loss related to service.  Specifically, he noted in his substantive appeal that while the statement of the case found his military occupational specialty of administrative clerk had a low probability of hazardous noise exposure, that was not his only job in service.  The Board finds that a VA examination is needed, as one has not previously been provided.
2. Entitlement to service connection for tinnitus is remanded.
The Veteran contends he has tinnitus related to service.  A VA examination has not been provided; therefore, one should be afforded on remand.
The matters are REMANDED for the following action:
1. The AOJ should secure for association with the record updated (to the present) records of any/all VA treatment the Veteran has received for the bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus on appeal.
2. Thereafter, schedule the Veteran for an audiology examination to determine the nature and etiology of any bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.  The examiner must opine whether they are at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease, including contentions of hazardous noise exposure during service.  

 
Nathaniel J. Doan
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	A. Dean, Counsel