Citation Nr: 18132231
Decision Date: 09/06/18	Archive Date: 09/06/18

DOCKET NO. 16-03 737
DATE:	September 6, 2018
REMANDED
Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearings loss is remanded.
REASONS FOR REMAND
The Veteran had active service in the U.S. Navy from July 1981 to July 1985. 
Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearings loss is remanded.
The Veteran appeals the denial of a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss disability. In relation to his claim, the Veteran was last examined by VA in October 2016. In May 2018, the Veteran’s representative asserted that the Veteran’s hearing loss has increased in severity since the Veteran was last examined by VA.  The Veteran should be provided an opportunity to report for a VA examination to ascertain the current severity and manifestations of his hearing loss disability. On remand, ongoing outpatient treatment records should also be obtained.
The matter is REMANDED for the following action:
1. Update for the record all relevant private and VA treatment records.

2. Schedule the Veteran for an examination by an appropriate clinician to determine the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability.  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. 
3. Thereafter, consider all of the evidence of record and readjudicate the issue on appeal.  If any benefit sought remains denied, issue a supplemental statement of the case to the Veteran and his representative.

 
T. MAINELLI
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	T.S. Willie

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