The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, left ear hearing loss, and balance disability (otitis media) has been reopened. The Board found that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether he has a current diagnosis of PTSD, his in-service combat-related stressors are established from his lay reports as a combat veteran, and a private psychologist linked his PTSD to his in-service stressors. Service connection for PTSD was granted. However, service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted based on the Veteran's reported history of exposure to burn pits during service. The balance disability claim is denied due to lack of current diagnosis.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not establish a clear and convincing contrary showing that the Veteran's current balance disability was not related to his in-service otitis media, as he had not sought treatment for this condition since 2014 and there were no medical records indicating a chronic or current diagnosis of otitis media.
- Claimed conditions
- respiratory disorder, left ear hearing loss, balance disability (otitis media)
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 4, 2021
- Citation
- 21067439
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 21067439.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for onychomycosis was denied as the condition did not require treatment and covered less than 5% of his body. The Board also remanded issues regarding service connection for left ear hearing loss and entitlement to a compensable disability rating for right ear hearing loss.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for shin splints, right knee disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), stomach disability, and left ear hearing loss due to errors in providing notice of the right to a hearing.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of sleep apnea, left lower extremity (LLE) sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and right ear hearing loss due to untimely filing.,The Board also dismissed the appeal for service connection of left ear hearing loss as moot because it was already granted in a prior decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss. The Veteran does not have left ear hearing loss for VA purposes.
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