The Board has found that the VA examinations and medical opinions did not substantially comply with its remand directives. The matter is therefore being remanded again for further development.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and medical opinions were inadequate as they failed to address the Veteran's lay statements regarding his in-service acoustic trauma and symptoms, and did not consider the Board's prior findings that the Veteran had experienced acoustic trauma in service.
- Claimed conditions
- right ear disability, retracted tympanic membrane
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 14, 2021
- Citation
- 21029638
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 21029638.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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 Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for tinnitus and service connection for left ear, right ear, and hematospermia disabilities.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance is granted, as he requires regular assistance with dressing, keeping himself clean and presentable, and attending to his bodily needs due to service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for compensation under provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for balance, right ear, speech, and respiratory disabilities due to a duty to assist error.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death while it was pending.
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