Vertigo & vestibular disorders decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's vertigo is related to active service. The issue of entitlement to service connection for myasthenia gravis is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision and is REMANDED.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected BPPV warrants a 30 percent rating, effective from the date of claim.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a confirmed diagnosis of Meniere's disease, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's Meniere's syndrome was granted a 30 percent rating effective January 30, 2012. The issue remains on appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent prior to that date.

The Board found that the Veteran's death from lung cancer and COPD was not caused by or a result of his service-connected disabilities, nor were they attributable to his active military service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for dizziness was previously denied in October 1995. New and material evidence has not been received to reopen this claim.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus was reopened based on new evidence showing continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and updated treatment records, as well as further consideration of the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and supplemental opinions.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus and Meniere's disease are remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions. The left ankle condition, left knee condition and acquired psychiatric disorder secondary to these conditions will also be remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left inner ear disorder, as the current opinion provided by a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist does not take into account her lay statements about service-related issues.

The Veteran's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, in remission, with residuals of skin hypersensitivity and venous occlusion causing dizziness, is currently rated at 30 percent under Diagnostic Codes 7715-6204. The disability picture matches the assigned rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to make him unemployable, and the Board grants entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran was found to be unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, resulting in a TDIU being granted.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current disability manifested by vertigo and/or dizziness, vision problems or stomach disability. Therefore, service connection for these conditions was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current neurological damage, vertigo, or adrenal gland dysfunction as a result of his service-connected electrical shock injury. However, he is found to have left trapezius and right pectoral muscular damage from this incident.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Meniere's disease was granted with an effective date of January 17, 2007.

The Veteran's central vestibular dysfunction disorder, including dizziness symptoms, is found to have begun in service and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's hypertension has not been productive of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, and he does not have a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more that requires continuous medication for control. Therefore, an increased evaluation is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of records, including those from the Veteran's brother and Duke University. The Veteran is seeking service connection for Meniere's syndrome.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and vertigo, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for bilateral hearing loss. The Board also found that there was insufficient evidence linking the current vertigo to service or a service-connected disability.