The Veteran's right ear disability, characterized as minimal scarring and small, superior retraction pocket of the tympanic membrane, is rated at non-compensable. The Board denied an increased rating for this condition due to lack of compensable basis under Diagnostic Code 6200.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s right ear disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it only involves minimal scarring and small retraction pocket, which is rated at non-compensable. The Board also noted that his chronic suppurative otitis media with cholesteatoma did not provide a basis for a compensable rating due to lack of suppuration or aural polyps.
- Claimed conditions
- minimal scarring and small, superior retraction pocket, right tympanic membrane, chronic suppurative otitis media with cholesteatoma
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 19, 2021
- Citation
- 21003137
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 21003137.
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the January 2021 decision, including a failure to consider whether the evidence of ear drainage and diagnosis of chronic suppurative otitis media support a finding that there is suppuration under Diagnostic Code 6200. The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his right tympanic membrane condition will be remanded for further development.
- Denied
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