The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic otitis externa does not warrant a compensable rating, as there is no evidence of swelling, dry and scaly or serous discharge. The most recent VA examination noted active bilateral ear infections and monthly pruritus (itching), but these symptoms are insufficient to meet the criteria for a 10% disability rating under Diagnostic Code 6210.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not show the veteran's chronic otitis externa warrants a compensable rating, as there is no swelling, dry and scaly or serous discharge needed for the higher 10% rating. The most recent VA examination noted active bilateral ear infections and monthly pruritus (itching), but these symptoms are insufficient to meet the criteria for a 10% disability rating under Diagnostic Code 6210.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Otitis Externa
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 10, 2007
- Citation
- 0738778
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 0738778.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for Meniere's Syndrome, but the case is remanded to determine if a separate rating is warranted for chronic otitis externa.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's chronic suppurative otitis media and chronic otitis externa are each rated at 10 percent, effective from April 10, 2009. The Veteran's depression is rated at 70 percent from May 20, 2008 to December 2, 2015.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not render him incapable of performing daily activities or require regular aid and attendance. The Board denied SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Veteran was not granted a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss or chronic otitis externa, and the Board found that he did not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to lack of substantial evidence regarding his employment history.
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