Vertigo & vestibular disorders decisions — 2013

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims, including providing adequate notice on secondary service connection and obtaining additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's combined disability evaluation is 60 percent, including a 50 percent rating for PTSD and 10 percent ratings for tinnitus, vertigo, and traumatic brain injury. The Veteran has post-service occupational experience as an electronics/fire alarm technician, driver, tour guide, and unpaid volunteer positions. His service-connected disabilities do not preclude substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's vertigo associated with Meniere's disease has been rated at 30 percent since the rating period on appeal. The Board finds that he is entitled to a higher 60 percent disability evaluation, but no higher, for his service-connected Meniere's disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for dizziness/vertigo and perennial rhinitis were denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disease or injury in service, and the symptoms are not separate from other conditions.

The Veteran asserts service connection for an inner ear disorder with vertigo based on service incurrence. The VA has now granted service connection for anxiety disorder, which the Veteran claims is related to his inner ear disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral vertigo with acute nausea is etiologically related to his active service, including an incident of rapid decompression while aboard a submarine during active duty.

The Board found that the Veteran does not currently have Meniere's syndrome and concluded that service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for Meniere's disease was denied as the evidence did not show that his disability warranted a higher evaluation prior to July 27, 2007 or since then.