Vertigo & vestibular disorders decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of any current vertigo and its relationship to service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus. Additionally, an audiological examination is needed to ascertain the current severity of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 30 percent for residuals of TBI, including vertigo, oscillopsia, abnormal gait, and status post repair of perilymph fistulas was denied by the Board.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for vertigo, including as secondary to a service-connected disability, is being remanded due to inadequate development of the record. The case will be readjudicated after further development.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% disabling, his Meniere's Disease and related conditions are service-connected, and he is granted a TDIU. The reduction in back disability evaluation from 20% to 10% is upheld.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and need for a supplemental opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's vestibular disability, focal muscle overactivity and spasticity, and right leg disability on a secondary basis to his service-connected residuals of head trauma.

The Board has remanded the case to the Appeals Management Center (AMC) for additional development, including a medical examination and consideration of whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities present an exceptional or unusual disability picture that would prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), finding that these conditions did not manifest during or as a result of active military service. The claim for service connection related to radiation exposure was also denied, with no evidence linking any current disabilities to such exposure.

The Veteran's claims for a bilateral eye condition and vertigo have been denied as there is no competent evidence of current disabilities or a relationship to service.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis C, eyesight disorder, bilateral leg stiffness and cramps, vertigo, and Meniere's disease are being remanded due to missing records and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Meniere's disease (Endolymphatic Hydrops) has been granted. The claims for bilateral pes planus and a disability manifested by chest pain have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss was denied as there is no current evidence of a hearing disability for VA compensation purposes. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current right ear hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA examination and determine the current severity of his service-connected Meniere's disease with vertigo and tinnitus, as well as whether he is unemployable due to these disabilities. The TDIU claim is also being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated as non-compensable. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence does not support service connection for COPD, obstructive sleep apnea, vertigo, or a heart disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for vertigo and a left knee disorder were denied. The initial rating for bilateral hearing loss was granted at 20% effective June 5, 2010, and increased to 40% effective November 26, 2012.

The Veteran's disability manifested by flu-like symptoms and vertigo is found to be secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder, with all reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine if his current hearing loss disability and dizziness are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing and additional development of his claims.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for tinea versicolor was granted. His claims for a higher initial rating for tinea versicolor and service connection for anemia with chronic fatigue and malaise were denied, but his claim to reopen the vertigo claim was granted.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and Meniere's disease. The Veteran is now seeking a rating for his bilateral hearing loss.