Vertigo & vestibular disorders decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and a higher initial disability evaluation, finding that new and material evidence could not serve as the basis for such a determination.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA audiology examination and additional evidence regarding employment impact. The case will be reviewed again after these steps.

The Board found that the veteran did not have a current bilateral elbow disorder or vertigo and dizziness related to his military service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and vertigo, finding no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence.

The Board found that the veteran's Meniere's syndrome was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The appellant's service-connected disabilities do not meet the basic eligibility requirements for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing under 38 U.S.C.A. § 2101(a) due to lack of anatomical loss or use of both hands and blindness in both eyes.

The VA has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to clarify the diagnosis of the veteran's ear disability.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, Meniere's disease, and defective hearing in the left ear. The claim for an initial rating of PTSD was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than January 17, 2003, for a total schedular rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected lumbar spondylosis with an old compression fracture and demonstrable deformity of L-1, head injury (including headaches and vertigo), and tinnitus have been granted initial ratings. The lumbar condition is rated at 20 percent since April 21, 2003, while the head injury and tinnitus remain at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for sinusitis and bilateral hearing loss, but granted a compensable rating for his service-connected tinnitus. The claim for service connection for vertigo was remanded due to further development being needed.

The veteran is granted increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, vertigo (Meniere's Syndrome), and tinnitus.,Effective September 23, 2003, the veteran has been rated at 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss. Effective August 30, 2002, he was rated at 10 percent for vertigo and 10 percent for tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and Meniere's disease due to incomplete development of evidence.

The veteran's bilateral defective hearing is not service-connected.,Chronic tinnitus and vertigo are not service-connected.

The veteran's peripheral vestibular disorder, specifically Meniere's syndrome, is found to be permanently and totally disabling for purposes of nonservice-connected pension.

The veteran's claims of service connection for vertigo, tinnitus, and left ear hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The increased rating claim for right ear hearing loss is also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is not well-grounded as there is no current evidence of a hearing loss disability. The effective date for the award of service connection for tinnitus remains August 9, 2000.,Service connection for chronic headaches and Meniere's disease are remanded to the RO.

The veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issues of whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen previously denied claims for service connection for various conditions. The Board has granted a compensable disability evaluation (30%) for the service-connected ureteral calculi.

The Board found no current disability manifested by vertigo and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic retinopathy, tinnitus, hearing loss, vertigo, arthritis of the right elbow, and hypertension were all denied. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to active service.