The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected left otitis media and Eustachian tube dysfunction, finding that the evidence did not demonstrate suppuration or aural polyps. The Board also found no evidence of a hearing loss disability in the left ear for VA purposes. The Board concluded that the preponderance of the evidence was against the claim for an increased rating under DC 6200 and denied referral for extraschedular consideration.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms, including ear pain, popping, and dizziness, were not considered compensable under the applicable diagnostic codes due to lack of suppuration or aural polyps. The Board also noted that there was no evidence of hearing loss in the left ear for VA purposes. The examiner provided negative opinions regarding the relationship between the service-connected disability and the Veteran's symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- left otitis media, Eustachian tube dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 5, 2016
- Citation
- 1604342
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 1604342.
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 appeal for an initial compensable rating for Eustachian tube dysfunction and related hearing impairment was denied. The Veteran also had his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to April 3, 2018, denied. His claim for special monthly compensation from May 4, 2022, was granted.
- Whole decision: Denied
The VA denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of Eustachian tube dysfunction, finding no causal relationship between his claimed condition and his military service or any toxic exposures.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the intermediate rate between the (m) and (n) rates based on his service-connected conditions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a left and right knee disability, fatty liver, eustachian tube dysfunction, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome due to inadequate VA examinations and medical opinions.
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