Citation Nr: 20021054 Decision Date: 03/24/20 Archive Date: 03/24/20 DOCKET NO. 17-16 598 DATE: March 24, 2020 REMANDED Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from September 1970 to April 1974 and from June 1974 to June 1978. In February 2020, the Veteran had a hearing before the undersigned; a transcript is of record. The November 2013 VA examination did not sufficiently address post-service development hearing loss as due to the conceded in-service noise exposure. Service connection may be granted for a disability diagnosed after discharge, when all the evidence, including that pertinent to service, establishes that the disability is due to disease or injury that was incurred or aggravated in service. A new examination is required to give full consideration to a delay onset of hearing loss, and the significance, if any, of post-military noise exposure. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Obtain updated VA treatment records. 2. Thereafter, schedule the Veteran for an examination by an appropriate clinician to determine the nature and etiology of bilateral hearing loss. The examiner must opine whether it is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease, including the conceded in-service noise exposure. Full consideration must be given to a delay onset, and the Veteran’s post-military noise exposure (if any). The examiner must also address whether hearing loss at least as likely as not (1) began during active service, (2) manifested within one year after discharge from service, or (3) was noted during service with continuity of the same symptomatology since service. Nathaniel J. Doan Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board AD 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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.