The Veteran's service-connected left ear hearing loss with history of otitis media and otitis externa, right ear otitis media and otitis externa, and tinea pedis have been rated as noncompensably disabling (0%). The Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable evaluation under any of the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine, Left Ear Hearing Loss with History of Otitis Media and Otitis Externa, Right Ear Otitis Media and Otitis Externa, Tinea Pedis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 7, 2017
- Citation
- 1703538
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1703538.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine due to a duty to assist error. The AOJ is instructed to obtain relevant medical records, including SSA disability records and Federal prison medical records, and request an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back disorder.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, as well as his lumbar spine disorder. The Board found the evidence in balance regarding whether these conditions render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected, and the Board finds that his back disability may be related to service. The case is remanded for a VA examination.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance was denied because he is not in need of such assistance due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that while the Veteran requires some help with daily activities, he does not meet the criteria for needing regular aid and attendance.
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