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.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms of ear infections with bilateral perforated tympanic membrane and eustachian tube dysfunction did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as there was no active suppuration or aural polyps, which are required for higher ratings under Diagnostic Code 6200. The Board found that his subjective complaints were outweighed by objective medical findings.
- Claimed conditions
- Ear Infections, Bilateral Perforated Tympanic Membrane, Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 8, 2023
- Citation
- 23027338
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 23027338.
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.
- 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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for major depressive disorder (MDD) and remanded claims related to eye conditions, traumatic brain injury (TBI), temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), and tension headaches.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for a medical opinion to determine if any of the claimed conditions were caused or aggravated by the Veteran's AML and/or treatments for AML prior to July 16, 2008.
- Partly granted
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.
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