The VA has denied a compensable evaluation for otitis externa as there is no current or recent diagnosis of the condition, and the medical evidence does not support an increased rating.
The deciding factor: There is no current or recent diagnosis of otitis externa in the medical records provided by the veteran.
- Claimed conditions
- Otitis externa
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 25, 2002
- Citation
- 0215052
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0215052.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and remanded the claims for service connection for gastrointestinal problems, a multiple joint arthritis disability, otitis externa, and an initial compensable rating for a headache disability.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's back disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, and left ankle disability are all being remanded for further review due to the need for additional evidence or clarification.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding hearing loss, increased ratings for tinnitus, otitis externa, and hemorrhoids. The Veteran was granted service connection for a right shoulder disorder.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right eye disability (optic atrophy) is granted service connection, while his otitis externa does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
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