Citation Nr: 20006002
Decision Date: 01/24/20	Archive Date: 01/23/20

DOCKET NO. 19-14 708
DATE: January 24, 2020

REMANDED

Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

This matter comes before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from an October 2018 rating decision that granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss with an initial noncompensable rating, effective August 2, 2018.

The Veteran contends that his service-connected bilateral hearing loss warrants a higher rating.  VA treatment records from October 2019 indicate an audiogram was received, reviewed, and sent for scanning; however, such audiogram has not yet been associated with the claims file.  As such, the Board finds a remand is necessary to associate such pertinent record with the claims file.

The matter is REMANDED for the following action:

1. Obtain ALL electronic records from the Fayetteville VA Medical Center since November 2019, to include all unassociated audiograms.

2. Review any records obtain pursuant to the directive above. If the records suggest any increase in the Veteran’s hearing impairment, schedule him for a new examination to assess the current severity of his bilateral hearing loss disability.

 

 

L. S. KYLE

Acting Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans’ Appeals

Attorney for the Board	R. Costello, Counsel

The Board’s decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.