Citation Nr: 18132016
Decision Date: 09/05/18	Archive Date: 09/05/18

DOCKET NO. 16-03 813
DATE:	September 5, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for service-connected bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran served on active duty from June 1964 to August 1972.
1. Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for service-connected bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is remanded.
In his January 2016 substantive appeal, the Veteran asserted that his bilateral hearing loss was continuing to progress in severity since the Veteran was last examined by VA.  The Veteran should be provided an opportunity to report for a VA examination to ascertain the current severity and manifestations of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
Additionally, VA treatment records reflect that the Veteran had audiograms in September 2015 and November 2013.  The results of those audiograms of puretone threshold measurements, in decibels, should be added to the claims file.


The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1. Obtain outstanding VA treatment records since November 2015.  Additionally, obtain puretone thresholds, in decibels, from the September 23, 2015, and November 20, 2013, VA audiometric readings, and update VA clinic records.  If word recognition testing was conducted, confirm the type of word recognition test provided.
2. Afford the Veteran a current examination to determine the nature and severity of his bilateral hearing loss disability.
3. After completing the actions detailed above, readjudicate the claim.  If the claim remains denied, a supplemental statement of the case must be provided to the Veteran and his representative.  After the Veteran and his representative have had an adequate opportunity to respond, the appeal must be returned to the Board for appellate review.
 
T. MAINELLI
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	C. Howell, Associate Counsel