Citation Nr: 21063483
Decision Date: 10/14/21	Archive Date: 10/14/21

DOCKET NO. 17-22 613A
DATE: October 14, 2021

REMANDED

Entitlement to service connection for left ear hearing loss is remanded.

Entitlement to service connection for tinnitus is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty from March 1981 to March 1990, from August 1997 to January 1998, and from October 2001 to November 2001.

1. Entitlement to service connection for left ear hearing loss is remanded.

2. Entitlement to service connection for tinnitus is remanded.

A new VA examination and opinion is necessary prior to adjudication of the claims. As pointed out by the April 2021 Board remand, the service treatment records dated during the Veteran's service with the Air National Guard from 2001 to 2008 demonstrate a shift in hearing threshold, specifically as shown on audiogram testing conducted in July 2006. This record demonstrates a shift from October 2001 and July 2006. The record reflects that the Veteran was exposed to acoustic trauma as an aircraft mechanic both while serving in the Air National Guard and in his civilian career. The May 2021 VA examiner did not address this period of the Veteran's service when considering whether the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service. Given such, and given that noise exposure during the Veteran's Air National Guard service would likely be considered to be in line of duty, a new VA examination and opinion should be obtained.

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

Obtain a VA addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician to determine the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus. If a VA examination is necessary to make a determination, please schedule one.

Is the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus at least as likely as not (within a 50 percent probability or greater) etiologically related to his service, to include his service as an aircraft mechanic in the Air National Guard, with attention to the July 2006 audiometric examination showing a threshold shift since October 2001? The examiner should consider that the Veteran sustained loud noise exposure as an aircraft mechanic while in active service, during his service in the Air National Guard, and as a civilian employee.

 

 

A. J. Spector

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

R. Erdheim, Attorney for the Board	Department of Veterans Affairs

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.