The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for otitis media with a perforated tympanic eardrum and hearing loss was granted, but the Board found no basis to grant a higher rating. A separate 30 percent evaluation was assigned for loss of bone associated with service-connected otitis media. The Veteran also received a 10 percent evaluation for peripheral vestibular disorder (PVD) related to her service-connected otitis media.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right ear hearing loss did not warrant a separate compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic code, and was instead considered part of her service-connected otitis media. The Board granted a separate 30 percent evaluation for loss of bone associated with the in-service mastoidectomy that resulted in her current service-connected otitis media. A 10 percent evaluation was assigned for peripheral vestibular disorder (PVD) as it is related to her service-connected otitis media.
- Claimed conditions
- Otitis Media, Loss of bone of the skull, Peripheral Vestibular Disorder (PVD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- May 10, 2017
- Citation
- 1715791
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 1715791.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for Peripheral Vestibular Disorder (PVD) was denied. The Board found that no earlier effective date is warranted as the claim for PVD was received on April 16, 2020 and granted service connection at that time.
- Granted
The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's Peripheral Vestibular Disorder, finding that his symptoms of dizziness and occasional staggering are severe enough to warrant this increased rating.
- Granted
The Board has accepted the October 2019 VA Form 9 as timely and will proceed with a decision on the merits of the service connection claims under the legacy review system.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for Peripheral Vestibular Disorder, including noise exposure and toxic exposures. The Veteran's PVD is being reviewed in light of his hearing loss, tinnitus, and potential toxic exposures.
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