The Board has remanded the claims for chronic suppurative otitis media and cellulitis as a residual of immersion foot due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology during service. The Veteran's representative argued that his use of Q-tips began in response to ear issues during service, but the VA opinion did not adequately address this claim.
The deciding factor: The Board found the VA medical expert opinion inadequate and thus requires a new examination to consider the Veteran’s lay assertions regarding the onset of symptoms during service.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic suppurative otitis media, cellulitis as a residual of immersion foot
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 19, 2018
- Citation
- 18159197
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 18159197.
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
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 Board has denied service connection for chronic suppurative otitis media as there is no evidence of a current disability, and the Veteran's reported symptoms are more likely due to post-service activities.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for chronic suppurative otitis media to ensure compliance with previous remand instructions.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted a 10 percent disability evaluation for chronic suppurative otitis media and denied an increase in the rating for tinnitus. The other claims were remanded.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right ear disability, finding that it is etiologically linked to in-service noise exposure. The appeal was successful.
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