The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right ear cholesteatoma and an initial compensable disability rating for right ear chronic otitis media has been dismissed.,The Veteran's peripheral vestibular disorder is granted with a 30 percent disability rating, but no higher.
The deciding factor: The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the disability ratings in excess of 10 percent for right ear cholesteatoma and an initial compensable disability rating for right ear chronic otitis media at the June 2024 Board hearing.,The evidence is at least in approximate balance as to whether the Veteran's peripheral vestibular disorder manifested with dizziness and occasional staggering, warranting a 30 percent disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- right ear cholesteatoma, right ear chronic otitis media, peripheral vestibular disorder, right ear scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 27, 2026
- Citation
- A26018059
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 A26018059.
What this means for you
A dismissal means the Board did not decide the issue on its merits — usually because it was withdrawn or had become moot. It says more about procedure than about whether a claim like this can win.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his gastroesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome was dismissed. The claim for service connection for migraine headaches, secondary to previously service-connected tinnitus and peripheral vestibular disorder, is granted with a rating of 10 percent. The claim for a higher rating for peripheral vestibular disorder remains at noncompensable (zero percent).
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), peripheral vestibular disorder, vertigo (BPPV), and Meniere's disease. The Veteran's current diagnoses are at least in equipoise with the medical evidence supporting a link to his military service.,Service connection is denied for bilateral hearing loss as there is no current disability meeting VA criteria.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his disabilities, including back pain, prostate cancer, depression, bilateral knee pain, and other health issues. The Board granted SMC based on A&A.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for an acquired vestibular disorder, including Meniere's disease and peripheral vestibular disorder, due to continuous symptoms since separation from service.
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