The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether a perforated right eardrum existed prior to service and was aggravated by service. The Veteran needs to provide VA treatment records, complete a VA Form 21-4142 for any relevant medical providers, and undergo an examination to determine if his current perforated eardrum is related to in-service noise exposure or aggravation of pre-existing conditions.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence was insufficient to determine whether the Veteran's perforated right eardrum existed prior to service and was aggravated by service. Therefore, further investigation is needed through an examination and review of records.
- Claimed conditions
- Perforated right eardrum
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 6, 2018
- Citation
- 18147433
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 18147433.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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 a compensable rating for residuals of perforated right eardrum was denied.,Service connection and an initial separate 10 percent rating for tinnitus were granted, but the effective date is not earlier than September 12, 2016.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a perforated right eardrum, finding that the evidence did not support a causal relationship between the condition and in-service noise exposure.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claims to reopen service connection for tinnitus and a perforated right ear drum. The underlying issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.
- Granted
The Veteran's perforated right eardrum has been rated as noncompensable since December 3, 2007. The current rating is based on the healed condition of the eardrum and does not include any other symptoms or 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.