The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected left otitis media and eustachian tube dysfunction, as well as the issue of service connection for a disability manifested by earache and/or dizziness other than left otitis media and left Eustachian tube dysfunction, is being remanded due to incomplete development. The Veteran's attorney noted that the examiner did not review evidence submitted in support of his claim.
The deciding factor: Incomplete development was identified, specifically regarding the examination report which did not consider evidence submitted by the Veteran’s representative.
- Claimed conditions
- left otitis media, eustachian tube dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 24, 2018
- Citation
- 18137826
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 18137826.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted readjudication of the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and relevant evidence submitted since the June 2024 decision. The issues remain remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has dismissed the appeals for chronic neuralgia and eustachian tube dysfunction due to withdrawal by the appellant. The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is granted, but the cervical spine degenerative arthritis and scar from hernia repair are remanded for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC benefits is in dispute due to a lack of private medical records, and thus the case must be remanded to obtain these records and provide an adequate medical opinion.
- 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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.