The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to assess the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right ear disability, including whether it pre-existed and/or was aggravated by service.
The deciding factor: The April 2015 VA examination did not adequately address the Veteran's history of ear trouble during his period of active service and the presence of a meningioma. The examiner also failed to determine if the current right ear disability is related to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Meningioma, Right Eustachian tube dysfunction, Chronic otitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 3, 2018
- Citation
- 1826299
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 1826299.
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 granted service connection for meningioma and the cause of the Veteran's death, finding a nexus to herbicide exposure during military service.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding a link between his meningioma and in-service exposure to herbicide agents.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection for residuals of a meningioma is granted, and he also receives special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability is service connected, but also finds that a VA examination and opinion are needed to address potential other right ear disabilities. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a right ear disability is being remanded.
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