Citation Nr: 21065673 Decision Date: 10/27/21 Archive Date: 10/27/21 DOCKET NO. 16-41 302 DATE: October 27, 2021 REMANDED A compensable rating for service-connected chronic non-suppurative otitis media (rated as bilateral hearing loss) is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran had active duty service in the United States Marine Corps from May 1997 to July 2004. This case is before the Board on appeal from a November 2014 rating decision. In his August 2016 VA Form 9, the Veteran requested a video conference hearing, but withdrew that request in July 2021. A compensable rating for chronic non-suppurative otitis media is remanded. Review of the record shows that the Veteran underwent a VA hearing loss examination in November 2014; the results from this testing are the basis of the noncompensable rating assigned for chronic non-suppurative otitis media, effective July 23, 2014 (the date of the Veteran's claim). However, January 2017 and May 2017 VA treatment records show that at least one additional audiogram was conducted by VA in January 2017 and/or April 2017; the specific clinical findings required for VA to rate under Diagnostic Code 6100, such as puretone decibel loss at each Hertz level and Maryland CNC word recognition percentages, were not included. Because these specific clinical findings are critical to determining the correct rating for the Veteran's hearing loss, especially considering the treating VA audiologist's determination in January 2017 that the Veteran had "mild to moderate conductive hearing loss in both ears, with significantly poorer hearing in both ears compared to 2014 results," further development is required. These VA treatment records also reflect that the Veteran requested an ear, nose and throat (ENT) consult during a February 2021 VA outpatient visit because his hearing loss had worsened; his representative requested in the Informal Hearing Presentation that if the claim could not be granted, that a new VA examination be conducted. The Veteran should be provided an opportunity to report for a VA examination to ascertain the current severity and manifestations of his hearing loss. The matter is REMANDED for the following actions: 1. Schedule the Veteran for an examination by an appropriate clinician to determine the current severity of his service-connected chronic non-suppurative otitis media (rated as bilateral hearing loss). The examiner should provide a full description of the disability and report all signs and symptoms necessary for evaluating the Veteran's disability under the rating criteria. (Continued on the next page) 2. Complete all necessary development to ensure that the underlying audiograms of January 2017 and/or April 2017 referenced in the Veteran's VA treatment records are obtained and associated with the claims file. J. M. Kirby Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals 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.