The Board denied entitlement to an initial compensable rating for right tympanic membrane perforation with hearing loss and denied service connection for arthritis of the fingers, neck, ankles, and knees. The Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence showing a direct link between his current conditions and his military service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not provide sufficient evidence to establish that his current arthritis of the fingers, neck, ankles, or knees is related to his military service.
- Claimed conditions
- Right tympanic membrane perforation with hearing loss, Arthritis of fingers, Arthritis of neck, Arthritis of ankles, Arthritis of knees
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 2, 2011
- Citation
- 1140602
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1140602.
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 Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the back, hips, legs, hands and ankles, as well as a lumbar spine disorder, are being remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board finds that additional medical opinions are needed regarding whether these conditions are related to her service or service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's initial claim for increased ratings was denied. The Board upheld the denial of higher initial ratings for various disabilities, including arthritis and sarcoid arthropathy.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Veteran's appeal for service connection on all issues related to his spine, joints, and skin conditions is dismissed due to withdrawal. The Board grants service connection for PTSD with depression.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back, finger, knee, foot, and chest conditions are not related to her active duty service.
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