The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for right ear Eustachian tube dysfunction, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed no infectious or inflammatory ear conditions, dizziness, auricle deformity, discharge or itching of the external ear canal. Hearing in the right ear was within normal limits during the appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 30, 2019
- Citation
- 19175466
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 19175466.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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 Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for Eustachian tube dysfunction and related hearing impairment was denied. The Veteran also had his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to April 3, 2018, denied. His claim for special monthly compensation from May 4, 2022, was granted.
- Whole decision: Denied
The VA denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of Eustachian tube dysfunction, finding no causal relationship between his claimed condition and his military service or any toxic exposures.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a left and right knee disability, fatty liver, eustachian tube dysfunction, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome due to inadequate VA examinations and medical opinions.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an initial compensable evaluation for eustachian tube dysfunction due to the lack of evidence showing current disabilities meeting VA criteria.
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