The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral chronic otitis media is denied. The issue of service connection for a chronic lung disability, to include bronchitis, due to service-connected bilateral otitis media, is remanded.
The deciding factor: The maximum schedular rating (10%) for service-connected bilateral chronic otitis media has already been assigned and no other diagnostic codes are applicable which could provide a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral chronic otitis media, chronic lung disability (bronchitis)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 2, 2021
- Citation
- 21005580
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 21005580.
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.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of March 24, 2022, for the grant of service connection for various conditions.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for bilateral chronic otitis media and bilateral hearing loss due to the condition. The decision is based on evidence showing that these conditions began during active service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, authorization of non-VA treatment records, and a more contemporaneous examination for his fibromyalgia.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral chronic otitis media, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to a lack of current diagnosis of these conditions during the pendency of his claim. The appeal is dismissed.
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