Vertigo & vestibular disorders decisions — 2014

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to in-service combat noise exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted. The remaining claims are remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to evaluate the nature and etiology of the Veteran's dizziness, including whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and/or tinnitus. The Veteran will be provided an opportunity to submit lay statements from himself and others who have knowledge of his symptoms.

The Board found that the Veteran's Meniere's disease did not manifest during service and is not related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The claim for service connection was therefore denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's vestibular disorder and whether it is related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has denied all service connection claims as the Veteran does not have any diagnosed disabilities for which he can be granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to questions regarding the exact nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed vertigo, chronic allergies, and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's vestibular disorder, including labyrinthitis and Meniere's disease, is related to his service-connected disabilities and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have Meniere's disease or a chronic disability manifested by vertigo, and thus service connection for this condition is not warranted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for arthritis of the right ankle, arthritis of the right knee, arthritis of the left knee, and tinnitus with vertigo as these conditions are at least in equipoise with a finding that they were incurred during active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are inextricably intertwined and must be remanded to allow for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, as the VA examiners found that his disabilities allow for sedentary work.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's vertigo and left shoulder disorder are secondary to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and right shoulder disability, respectively. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss and vertigo are not related to service, and therefore denied his claims for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the etiology of any current diagnosed vestibular disorder, including Meniere's disease and related conditions. The Veteran must be advised of the importance of reporting to the scheduled VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are not related to his active service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection. The issue of vertigo disorder or dizziness is being remanded for a VA medical opinion regarding its relationship to his service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a videoconference hearing. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, sleep apnea secondary to PTSD, and vertigo secondary to bilateral sensorineural hearing loss are still under review.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, vertigo, and bilateral hearing loss have been denied. His claim for an increased rating for his bilateral hearing loss has also been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep disorder and vertigo are secondary to her service-connected multiple sclerosis.

The Board has determined that Meniere's disease is not etiologically related to active service and is not proximately due to, or aggravated by, the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with Meniere's disease during service and continues to have it after discharge. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection are met.