Vertigo & vestibular disorders decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and his TDIU claim are both remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to his failure to appear for VA examinations. The Board found that the evidence does not support a current diagnosis of tinea pedis, and there is insufficient medical evidence linking any right foot disability or hearing loss to service.

The Veteran's bilateral eye traumatic angle recession with pigmentary dispersion, peripheral vestibular disorder, PTSD with TBI, lumbosacral strain, right shoulder degenerative joint disease, right knee strain, and right hip degenerative joint disease are all granted. The rating for the peripheral vestibular disorder is increased to 30 percent prior to June 15, 2022. The Veteran's PTSD with TBI remains at a 70 percent rating. The lumbosacral strain is rated at 20 percent. The right shoulder degenerative joint disease and right knee strain are both denied higher ratings. The right hip degenerative joint disease based on limitation of flexion is also denied.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired mental disorder, hypertension, Meniere's disease, and traumatic brain injury as there was no evidence of these conditions in service or a link to service.,The Veteran did not provide sufficient medical evidence to establish that any current disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches and remanded the issues of service connection for headaches and vertigo due to an in-service traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The Board has denied a higher disability rating for Meniere's disease and remanded the issue of service connection for supraventricular arrhythmia and valvular heart disease (claimed as irregular heartbeat).

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the previous VA opinions and new information provided by the Veteran regarding his exposure to toxic substances during service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a bilateral eye condition, a left shoulder condition, a left arm condition, a bilateral hip condition, vertigo, and kidney stones. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for headaches and vertigo or a balance disorder to determine if they are related to service, particularly as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus. The VA examiner will consider in-service noise exposure, temperature differences, malaria pills, and medical literature provided by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including shin splints and stroke residuals. The remand includes obtaining an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral shin splints and a VA examination to address her claims of stroke residuals.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for vertigo and fatigue due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran is encouraged to submit any medical treatment records noting current diagnoses (from July 2013 to the present) of vertigo or fatigue and any lay statements further addressing his contentions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the records regarding when certain claims were filed and addressed. The Veteran is seeking earlier effective dates for service connection awards, but there are discrepancies in the documentation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of TBI or vertigo, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that another remand is necessary to ensure compliance with previous remand directives and proper development for the Veteran's claims of service connection for GERD and peripheral vestibular disorder.

The Veteran's Meniere's disease is rated as 30 percent disabling, and the Board has remanded for further development regarding a TDIU claim.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease, is related to an in-service injury. The Veteran's dizziness is the result of his now service-connected cervical spine disability.,Service connection for bilateral foot disorders and bilateral ankle disorders are remanded.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus, peripheral vestibular disorder, and sleep apnea. The claims are remanded for additional development regarding the peripheral vestibular disorder and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for vertigo was denied.,Service connection for the Veteran's nasal disability (deviated septum and claimed as broken nose) to include his service-connected vertigo was granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of her claimed disabilities. The claims will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and examination to clarify his mental health diagnoses, determine the etiology of his vertigo symptoms, and address whether he meets criteria for a TDIU. The issues are inextricably intertwined.