The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to June 12, 2000. The veteran was granted separate evaluations for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss associated with chronic suppurative otitis media.
The deciding factor: Medical records prior to June 12, 2000 did not meet the criteria needed for a compensable rating for chronic suppurative otitis media.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral conductive hearing loss, chronic suppurative otitis media
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 9, 2006
- Citation
- 0603860
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for chronic suppurative otitis media to ensure compliance with previous remand instructions.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a separate rating of 10 percent for chronic suppurative otitis media and a noncompensable rating for a perforation of the tympanic membrane, while denying an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for otitis externa.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed all claims for service connection and a compensable disability rating due to the Veteran's death.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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