The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the service-connected residuals of a left tympanic membrane with purulent otitis, an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and denied any increase in evaluation for tinnitus.
The deciding factor: The veteran's current condition more closely approximates the criteria set forth under DC 6210 (for chronic otitis media) warranting a 10 percent rating. The noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is upheld as there is no evidence of impairment in either ear that warrants an increase. Tinnitus, being recurrent, already receives the maximum schedular evaluation available.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of a left tympanic membrane with purulent otitis, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- September 27, 2004
- Citation
- 0426921
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 0426921.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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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