Vertigo & vestibular disorders decisions — 2013

The Board has determined that further clarification is needed regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection and an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, and Meniere's Disease. The case is REMANDED to obtain additional VA treatment records, provide a comprehensive opinion on whether the diagnosed conditions are related to service or not, and conduct a new examination for hearing acuity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Meniere's disease and hearing loss was granted, with the latter being reopened based on new evidence. The decision is mixed as it grants one issue (Meniere's disease) but denies another (hearing loss).

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional VA examinations and to clarify the nature of his service connection claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for Meniere's disease, spondylosis of the lumbar spine, and hypertension are being remanded due to scheduling a videoconference Board hearing at the RO.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disorder and vertigo were not incurred in or related to his period of active service.

Since September 7, 2004, the Veteran's barotraumatic vestibular vertigo has been manifested by dizziness and occasional staggering. The Board finds that a higher 30 percent rating is warranted for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for vertigo, to include as secondary to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including a VA examination and proper notice.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to a lack of VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further clarification and evaluation regarding his claim of service connection for vertigo or a balance/dizziness disability, which he asserts is related to his service-connected anxiety reaction.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the Board finds that there is no legal basis to grant any of these claims.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for numbness of the hands is dismissed as his condition has already been granted under a different code (7122).

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a disability manifested by loss of balance and dizziness, to include Meniere's disease, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining VA treatment records and providing another opinion on etiology.

The Board has granted service connection for Meniere's disease, to include manifestations of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for tinnitus/vertigo, chest pains, headaches, and possibly neck pain. The other conditions have not met this standard.,For bilateral hearing loss, no new and material evidence was found. For left knee, leg, and ankle disabilities, no new and material evidence was found either.

The Veteran's L5-S1 herniated nucleus pulposus has been granted a 40 percent rating, effective July 30, 2008. The issues of tension headaches and vertigo remain unresolved as they are not part of the appeal process for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion on whether the Veteran's vertigo is related to his in-service noise exposure and service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for tinnitus and hearing loss, finding that there is sufficient evidence to support these findings. The claim for service connection for vertigo was also granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA examination to address the etiology of the Veteran's vertigo/Meniere's syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's vertigo did not originate during his active military service and is not related to a service-connected disability. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's vertigo did not become chronic in service and there was no continuity of symptomatology between service and the present. The Board also noted conflicting medical opinions regarding whether the vertigo is related to service, with one examiner attributing it to noise exposure during service and another indicating it is unrelated to service.