Vertigo & vestibular disorders decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Meniere's disease, bilateral hearing loss, sinusitis or allergic rhinitis, and mononucleosis. The evidence did not support his assertions of in-service incurrence or continuity of symptoms.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residual disability from vestibular surgery, finding that the additional disability was a reasonably foreseeable complication of surgery to treat hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for vertigo and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions had their onset during service.

The Board has restored a 30 percent rating for ischemic heart disease, denied the TDIU claim prior to August 3, 2017, dismissed the TDIU claim on or after August 3, 2017, and granted eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) effective March 18, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for his service-connected vertigo was dismissed because he indicated satisfaction with the current rating of 30 percent.

The claims for service connection have been reopened and granted. Service connection is established for multiple sclerosis, Sjogren’s syndrome, arthritis, tendonitis, a disorder manifested by dizziness (Meniere's disease), and a nerve disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of Meniere’s disease and whether it is related to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's Meniere's disease/syndrome, as it may be related to his service-connected hearing loss. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome is being remanded due to its inextricability with his claim for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The BPPV claim requires further development before a decision can be made.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of timely Notice of Disagreement (NOD) for the issue of a higher initial rating for the Veteran's right thumb disability. The January 2015 letter from the Veteran’s attorney effectively raised a new increased rating claim, but it was not accepted as a timely NOD.

The Board denied service connection for a vestibular disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition did not manifest in service and is otherwise unrelated to service. The Board also found that his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not cause or aggravate his current vestibular disorder.

The Veteran's right knee disability is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is related to his service-connected left knee disability.,The Veteran's vertigo and migraine headaches are also being remanded for VA examinations to determine their relationship to service.,A new rating decision will be issued after the examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to October 13, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder from May 25, 2017 was denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for vertigo and migraine headaches were denied.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for fracture of left ankle with degenerative joint disease is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic sinusitis and vertigo due to inadequate opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is also requested to provide his complete service treatment records, including those from National Guard service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a chronic disability manifested by vertigo (benign positional vertigo) as these conditions had their onset during service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The left foot plantar fasciitis with metatarsalgia was rated at the maximum schedular rating of 30 percent, and BPPV was rated at 10 percent prior to April 12, 2017, and 30 percent thereafter. Dermatitis received initial compensable ratings in June 2018.

The Veteran's vertigo is attributable to his active service.,The Veteran's major depressive disorder is proximately due to his service-connected disabilities.