Vertigo & vestibular disorders decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that a VA medical examination is needed to address the Veteran's claim for service connection for Meniere’s syndrome, as there are insufficient competent medical opinions on all theories of direct and secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and a rating for hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and an examination.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's vertigo and stomach problems are related to his service-connected conditions or if they were present during active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral vestibular disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 6204. The appeal is denied as there are no exceptional factors indicating a need for an extraschedular evaluation.

The Veteran's peripheral vestibular disorder is rated at 10% since October 14, 2016. The Board has determined that the disability picture more nearly approximates dizziness and occasional staggering, warranting a 30% rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further development and review of financial eligibility for special monthly pension (SMP) based on aid and attendance/housebound.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 100 percent for Meniere's disease, finding that the Veteran experiences attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait occurring more than once a week.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, type 2, thyroid disorder, hypertension, low back disorder, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, headaches, vertigo, and tinnitus due to potential exposure to herbicides during service.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions on a direct basis as they are not presumed diseases related to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for Meniere's syndrome, finding that the Veteran's symptoms during service are related to his current condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current disorders characterized by dizziness and lightheadedness.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The Board has also remanded the issues of systemic joint, thoracolumbar spine, cervical spine, bilateral knee, bilateral ankle, peripheral vestibular, scars, hypertension, and migraine headaches disabilities, as well as acquired psychiatric disability (to include PTSD).

The Veteran's benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is rated at 30 percent from October 1, 2013 to May 11, 2018. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from March 21, 2016 to May 11, 2018.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability, Meniere’s syndrome or endolymphatic hydrops (dizziness and vertigo), tinnitus, sleep apnea, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus are all granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection of a bilateral shoulder disability, residuals of frostbite to both hands, and vertigo. The claims are being remanded.

The Veteran's multifactorial balance disorder of aging is related to his active service, and the examiner opines that it is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) that the Veteran’s peripheral vestibular disorder is also related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hydronephrosis has been denied as she does not currently experience the condition.,Multiple sclerosis and its related conditions are pending service connection determination due to conflicting opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected vertigo with dizziness warrants a 10 percent rating for the entire period of appeal, and his service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity warrants a remanded issue as it may warrant an increased rating. The current ratings are based on symptoms consistent with mild incomplete paralysis.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and a vestibular disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for headaches was granted. Service connection for PTSD, neurocognitive disorder, and marijuana use disorder as secondary to TBI disability is also granted. However, service connection for dizziness/vertigo, allergic rhinitis, and headaches is denied.