Vertigo & vestibular disorders decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for multiple sclerosis and associated upper and lower extremity disorders, as well as muscle pain and spasticity disorder, vertigo, intermittent fecal incontinence not otherwise specified (bowel problems, gastrointestinal problems), neurogenic bladder disorder, and cervical spine disorder. The reasons are that there is insufficient evidence to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) from March 27, 2014 to May 12, 2014 is denied because there was no factually ascertainable increase in disability or change of employment status within the applicable time frame.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient verification of his periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA. The AOJ is instructed to identify these periods and obtain all outstanding service treatment records.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased disability rating for TBI other than headaches and vertigo is being remanded due to the failure of the RO to schedule a VA examination as per previous Board directives.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral ankle, left knee (status post total knee replacement), right knee, and vertigo disorders. The Veteran's current diagnoses were not shown as chronic in service or related to an in-service injury or disease.,Service connection was also denied for fatigue due to lack of a diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a skin disability and vertigo due to procedural issues, including failure to obtain addendum opinions as requested in prior remands. The Veteran must appear for any necessary examinations.

The Veteran is seeking a higher disability rating for his service-connected vertigo, specifically whether he has Meniere's disease. The current 30 percent rating assigned by the RO must be reconsidered as part of this appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to obtain medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's Meniere's disease is related to service, particularly in light of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The VA will also consider updated VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examinations and consideration of service connection claims due to lack of recent evaluations.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches and post-concussive vertigo, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his in-service head injuries.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for TBI, as his cognitive impairment was rated at 10 percent. His hearing loss disability is also rated at 10 percent. Service connection for right and left knee disabilities, lumbar strain, and SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance were all remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right leg shortening has been denied as there is no evidence of more than two inches of shortening.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for hemorrhoids with anal fissure prior to January 8, 2019, and in excess of 60 percent thereafter, has also been denied due to lack of evidence showing extensive leakage or fairly frequent involuntary bowel movements.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, a chronic ear disorder (vertigo), and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Meniere's syndrome and peripheral vestibular disorder, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, right ear hearing loss disability, and vertigo have been denied due to lack of current diagnoses.,Service connection has also been denied for hypertension, kidney disease, diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral upper extremity and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and a cardiovascular disorder (including CAD).,The Veteran's claim for entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has also been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for Meniere's disease, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea on a secondary basis to the Veteran's service-connected tinnitus and depressive disorder.,Service connection was denied for gout, back condition, and COPD as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including a vestibular disorder and headaches. The Veteran's assertions of in-service injuries are considered, along with relevant medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Meniere's disease is at least as likely as not related to service, and therefore grants his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for peripheral vestibular disorder, right-hand disability, neck disability, and left knee disability due to lack of nexus opinions addressing in-service events or injuries.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and Meniere's disease/vertigo due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology, particularly in relation to service exposure.