Vertigo & vestibular disorders decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 15, 2021, for the grant of service connection for Meniere's syndrome was denied as there is no evidence that he had the condition before or after this date.

The Veteran's service connection claims for vertigo, IBS, loss of sphincter control, pruritus rectum, and voiding dysfunction have been granted. The case is remanded to determine the nature and likely cause of any loss of sphincter control, pruritus rectum, and/or voiding dysfunction.

The Veteran's TBI symptoms have resolved, are separately service-connected and rated, or are fully contemplated by his existing 100 percent rating for PTSD. The Veteran's BPPV is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected TBI.,The claim for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance has been remanded.

Service connection for vertigo granted as secondary to service-connected bilateral hearing loss.,TDIU from May 23, 2011 granted due to combined service-connected disabilities rendering the Veteran unable to maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and an initial rating higher than 30 percent for Meniere's disease prior to August 16, 2021 due to additional development needed.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for additional examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his dizziness, right foot disability, chest pain other than costochondritis, and residuals of right elbow fracture with retained hardware. The claims are also inextricably intertwined due to their potential impact on the Veteran's TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the cases of Meniere's disease and migraine headaches due to insufficient opinions from previous VA examiners. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions, which are currently being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to address whether the Veteran's vertigo is secondary to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and idiopathic cardiomyopathy with coronary artery disease and/or atrial fibrillation. The AOJ must obtain addendum medical opinions addressing these issues.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for vertigo, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to in-service noise exposure. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's dizziness is related to service and grants service connection for this condition. The cervical spine disability and GERD cases are remanded due to incomplete medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a headache disorder and peripheral vestibular disorder due to potential secondary service connection with his now service-connected adjustment disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, dermatitis, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis. Service connection was denied for vertigo, acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety, depression, and PTSD), and dermatitis.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's vestibular disability, including vertigo and dizziness. The decision is based on a finding that this condition is at least as likely as not related to his military service, specifically his head injury in June 1971.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple conditions was dismissed due to the withdrawal of his claim for PTSD, to include schizophrenia. The remaining claims were denied as there is no persuasive evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current vestibular dysfunction is related to in-service acoustic trauma and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's headaches associated with otitis media are granted a 10 percent evaluation, effective from the date of this decision.

The Board has remanded the claims of bilateral hearing loss and vertigo disabilities due to outstanding VA treatment records not obtained. The Veteran was also asked to provide non-VA medical providers' records.

The Veteran's vertigo is granted as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus. The initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids prior to April 20, 2019 has been granted. A 10 percent rating is assigned from April 20, 2019 onwards.,An effective date of January 28, 2014, is granted for the 40 percent disability rating for fibromyalgia. The Veteran's right knee disability and sinusitis are denied initial ratings in excess of their current ratings.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's Meniere's disease was caused or aggravated by his service, including in-service acoustic trauma. The VA will obtain an opinion on causation and aggravation.

The Board denied service connection for atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, cervical spine disorder, back disorder (likely thoracolumbar spine), carpal tunnel syndrome, and vertigo as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected fibromyalgia. The claims were remanded for further development.