Citation Nr: 21064263
Decision Date: 10/19/21	Archive Date: 10/19/21

DOCKET NO. 16-26 182
DATE: October 19, 2021

REMANDED

Entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

Entitlement to service connection for tinnitus is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty in the United States Air Force from October 1967 to December 1970.

This matter was initially before the Board in February 2020, where it was remanded for additional development. Specifically, the Board determined that the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) should obtain any relevant medical records.

1. Entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

2. Entitlement to service connection for tinnitus is remanded.

While the Board regrets further delay, the matter must be remanded as the record suggests that the medical evidence associated with the record is incomplete. As noted above, in February 2020, the Board remanded these claims to obtain relevant medical records.

The Veteran was sent a subsequent development letter in February 2020 that enclosed VA Forms 21-4142, Authorization to Disclose Information and 21-4142a, General Release for Medical Provider Information. This letter was returned as undeliverable, and the AOJ obtained a temporary address and resent the letter. The Veteran was sent a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) in April 2020, which was returned as undeliverable. The Board found a new address, and mailed the Veteran a copty of the SSOC. While it is unclear whether the Veteran received the VA forms in February 2020, the Board will afford the Veteran the benefit of the doubt and remand these claims to obtain any outstanding medical records.

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

1. Ask the Veteran to complete VA Forms 21-4142 and 21-4142a for treatment records relevant to his tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss claims, to include all records from the hearing conservation program through the Veteran's civilian employer.

2. After completing the above action, to include any other development as may be indicated by any response received as a consequence of the actions, re-adjudicate the claims.

 

 

T. MAINELLI

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	Adeleke, T.

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 This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.