The Veteran's ear infections are not service-connected, but a 10 percent rating is granted for the left inguinal hernia prior to August 14, 2019. From that date, no compensable rating is assigned.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and medical opinions did not find any evidence of an ear infection during service or related to in-service hygiene practices with hearing protection.
- Claimed conditions
- Ear Infections, Left Inguinal Hernia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 3, 2022
- Citation
- 22006290
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 22006290.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's ear infections and tinnitus. The claim will be reviewed with a new examination to determine if the ear infections are at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by her service-connected tinnitus.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected ear infections with bilateral perforated tympanic membrane and eustachian tube dysfunction was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating, as there is no active suppuration or aural polyps to warrant a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 6200. His claim for obesity and service connection for ear pain were also denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment as of May 1, 2018.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD, bilateral wrist disorder, and other service-connected conditions have been granted initial disability ratings. The TDIU claim for the period prior to February 23, 2018, has also been granted.
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