Since the grant of service connection until January 5, 2011, the record evidence shows that the Veteran's residuals of recurrent left ear infections were manifested by frequent episodes of chronic suppurative otitis media and cholesteatoma.,At least for the period from January 6, 2011, to July 11, 2012, the record evidence shows that the Veteran's residuals of recurrent left ear infections were manifested by dizziness, occasional staggering, and vestibular disequilibrium.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected recurrent left ear infections (also claimed as swimmer's ear) was initially rated at zero percent from April 7, 1999. The rating was increased to ten percent effective January 6, 2011, and then to thirty percent effective July 12, 2012.
- Claimed conditions
- recurrent left ear infections, chronic suppurative otitis media, cholesteatoma
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 19, 2014
- Citation
- 1407003
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 1407003.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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 obstructive sleep apnea but has remanded the issue of service connection for cholesteatoma due to a duty-to-assist error.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for cholesteatoma and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error in failing to provide VA examinations. The Veteran is entitled to a VA examination for both claims.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from May 25, 2010. The case is remanded for additional development regarding the compensable rating for bilateral cholesteatoma.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied service connection for chronic suppurative otitis media as there is no evidence of a current disability, and the Veteran's reported symptoms are more likely due to post-service activities.
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