The Veteran's initial compensable rating for chronic otitis externa was denied, and his service connection claim for a dental condition was also denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic codes for ear disorders or for service connection under the specific classes outlined in 38 C.F.R. § 17.161 for dental conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic otitis externa, dental condition
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 28, 2018
- Citation
- 18161135
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 18161135.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions were granted effective from July 1, 2020.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals because a prior decision by the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims affirmed the denial of service connection for a dental condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and duty to assist errors. The Veteran's dental condition, hearing loss, and left leg amputation are all being reviewed further.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a dental condition, including tooth loss due to injury, is being remanded as the VA examination scheduled in March 2025 was not conducted due to the Veteran's failure to appear. The Board finds that the Veteran should be rescheduled for a new VA examination.
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