The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The initial noncompensable rating for the perforated right eardrum remains unchanged, as does the current 10 percent rating for ankylosis of the right middle finger. The claim for TDIU was also denied due to the Veteran's combined disability rating not meeting the threshold for individual unemployability.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the service-connected conditions resulted in additional functional impairment or other related factors showing unusual or exceptional disability, which would warrant higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes. The Veteran’s combined disability rating was found to be insufficient to meet the criteria for TDIU.
- Claimed conditions
- Perforated right eardrum, Ankylosis of the right middle finger
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 10, 2009
- Citation
- 0933868
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 0933868.
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: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for residuals of perforated right eardrum was denied.,Service connection and an initial separate 10 percent rating for tinnitus were granted, but the effective date is not earlier than September 12, 2016.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for a perforated right eardrum, finding that the evidence did not support a causal relationship between the condition and in-service noise exposure.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether a perforated right eardrum existed prior to service and was aggravated by service. The Veteran needs to provide VA treatment records, complete a VA Form 21-4142 for any relevant medical providers, and undergo an examination to determine if his current perforated eardrum is related to in-service noise exposure or aggravation of pre-existing conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claims to reopen service connection for tinnitus and a perforated right ear drum. The underlying issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.
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