The Board denied increased ratings for service-connected chronic otitis externa and perforated tympanic membrane, finding that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for either condition.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show symptoms of swelling, dry and scaly external ear canal, serous discharge, or itching required for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 6210 for chronic otitis externa. The perforated tympanic membrane was found to have resolved without any current symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic otitis externa, perforated tympanic membrane
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 18, 2019
- Citation
- 19195005
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 19195005.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for chronic otitis externa, finding that the evidence does not support a causal relationship between the condition and the Veteran's active service.
- Partly granted
The Board denied ratings in excess of the current levels for diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss, and otitis media; granted a separate 30 percent rating for vertigo; and granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The appeal regarding entitlement to service connection for a bilateral ear condition, including perforated tympanic membrane, chronic ear infection, and eustachian tube dysfunction, is remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 10 percent rating for chronic otitis externa and remanded the claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee joint osteoarthritis.
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