The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for otitis externa and maxillary sinusitis were denied as the evidence did not show that his service-connected conditions met the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not demonstrate symptoms or treatment consistent with the requirements for a compensable rating under the relevant diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- otitis externa, maxillary sinusitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 6, 2019
- Citation
- 19160749
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 19160749.
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 Board granted an effective date of April 7, 2023 for service connection for maxillary sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and left knee patella chondromalacia.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings or service connection for the claimed conditions.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for a low back condition and denied initial compensable ratings for migraine, maxillary sinusitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a compensable evaluation of maxillary sinusitis to afford the Veteran an adequate VA medical examination, as required by Ingram v. Collins.
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.