Vertigo & vestibular disorders decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for vertigo, finding that the condition did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise the result of a disease or injury incurred in service.

The Veteran's claim for VR&E services, including additional education to pursue a career as a professor or school counselor, is remanded due to the need for a new vocational rehabilitation evaluation considering his current symptomatology and service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic migraines and vertigo, both rated at 30 percent from June 17, 2016. Attorney fees in the amount of 20% of past-due benefits awarded are granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by or contributed to by service-connected Meniere’s disease, and therefore denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has determined that the VA decision did not obtain sufficient evidence to properly assess the Veteran's conditions and remands both issues for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as his employment is considered substantially gainful and he does not qualify under the specific provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a).

The Veteran's cause of death was not service-connected, as there is no evidence linking his cause of death (bilateral pulmonary emboli) to any condition incurred or aggravated by military service.,Service connection for primary lateral sclerosis and vertigo were denied due to lack of in-service diagnosis and no link to service. Service connection for Lyme disease residuals was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, requiring further development and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's vertigo is related to his service or any of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for vertigo has been dismissed because he withdrew his appeal prior to the decision being made.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right knee condition and vertigo, as secondary to service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran was not provided with proper notice of his scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss with nonsuppurative otitis media prior to November 14, 2018, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter is denied. The appeal for higher disability ratings remains before the Board.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI, headaches, and vertigo due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus is found to be the cause of his current vestibular dysfunction disorder. His bilateral hearing loss disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease as due to exposure to herbicide agents is granted. The issues of service connection for nasopharyngeal cancer, obstructive sleep apnea, eye disability, balance/vestibular disorder, sinusitis and depressive disorder are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for vertigo and dizziness, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD and emotional problems), and a low back disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for Ménière’s Disease, to include vestibular neuronitis/neuritis and vertigo. The Veteran's current symptoms are not related to his active service or any other relevant factors.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, kidney disability, GERD, hypertension, and vertigo. The claims are being reviewed due to new evidence received since the previous denial.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's vertigo, specifically whether it was aggravated by his service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's dizziness resulting from residual lung cancer is rated at 30 percent, effective December 21, 2011.

The Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected disabilities, specifically Meniere’s syndrome and the cardiovascular conditions. The Board found that these conditions aggravated his heart issues and contributed to his cause of death.