The Veteran's left ear perforation of the tympanic membrane is currently rated under Diagnostic Code 6211, which provides a noncompensable rating. The Veteran contends that his condition should be evaluated under different criteria due to symptoms such as dizziness and hearing loss.,The Veteran’s bilateral athlete's foot disability was rated under Diagnostic Code 7806 for dermatitis. The VA examiner noted the use of topical medications, including antifungal ointment, triamcinolone acetonide cream (0.1%), hydrocortisone cream (2.5%), and other topical corticosteroids. The Veteran's treatment with these topical agents is being evaluated for systemic therapy.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner did not provide a clear determination on whether the Veteran’s use of topical medications constitutes systemic therapy, which is necessary to determine if he qualifies for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- left ear perforation of the tympanic membrane, bilateral athlete's foot disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 24, 2019
- Citation
- 19180823
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.
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- Granted
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