The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as the claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for major depressive disorder. The Veteran's representative provided medical literature on noise-induced hearing loss, but the VA audiologist must comment on the Veteran's May 2011 lay report of symptoms and June 2010 records from Chihal ENT Associates. A current examination is also necessary to assess the severity of the service-connected major depressive disorder.
The deciding factor: The Board requires additional development for the claims due to incomplete or inaccurate factual premises, including the need for a VA audiologist's opinion on the etiology of hearing loss and tinnitus based on the Veteran's lay reports and medical records. A current examination is also necessary for the major depressive disorder claim.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 11, 2018
- Citation
- 1821552
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1821552.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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