Vertigo & vestibular disorders decisions — 2026

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for further development regarding service connection for vertigo, including consideration of exposure to burn pits during active duty.

The Board granted SMC based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and headaches. The decision also addressed whether her TDIU could be based on a single disability or multiple ones.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for vestibular disability, including as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, is being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. The Board will need to schedule the Veteran for an additional VA examination with corresponding etiological opinion.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The appeals for hypertension, dizziness/vertigo, and headaches have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Board has dismissed all appeals for service connection and earlier effective dates, except for those related to vertigo associated with tinnitus and TMJ disorder. The Veteran withdrew his appeal for these issues during the May 2025 hearing.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for vertigo, right foot condition, left ankle condition, urinary frequency, right shoulder condition, and left foot condition are all denied.,The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for urinary frequency, right shoulder condition, and left foot condition due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of December 9, 2020 for a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD.,The Veteran is also granted an effective date of December 9, 2020 for special monthly compensation based on housebound criteria (SMC).

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is linked to his alcohol use disorder, and he has been granted a higher initial rating for PTSD. He also received an initial 30 percent rating for vertigo.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of vertigo was dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC is remanded due to a lack of an adequate medical opinion supporting the denial. The VA must obtain an updated opinion from the CEAT regarding whether the Veteran requires personal care services, supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury, and needs regular extensive instruction or supervision.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, chronic sinusitis, Meniere's disease, and vertigo. The Veteran's tinnitus was not found to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and relevant VA treatment records being added after the issuance of the SOC, as well as outstanding private treatment records from a private clinician at Ochsner Medical Center. The case will be readjudicated based on all evidence.

The Veteran's hypertension was not service-connected as it did not manifest during service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,Service connection for peripheral vestibular disorder (PVD) disability was granted based on the relationship between tinnitus and PVD.

Prior to April 23, 2025, the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 20 percent and vertigo/dizziness at 40 percent.,From April 23, 2025, the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 40 percent.,PTSD to include acquired psychiatric disorder was granted a 70 percent disability rating from September 22, 2011 and total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from July 26, 2022.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence supports the readjudication of the Veteran's claim for service connection for right perforated eardrum, finding it due to an in-service event. The condition is now granted.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of right shoulder, left shoulder, neck, and vertigo conditions due to procedural errors.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for prostate cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetes mellitus (DM), and rhinitis due to potential toxic exposure during service. The Veteran's reported jet fuel/fume exposure will be addressed in a TERA examination.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted prior to October 16, 2019, and dismissed from that date onwards due to the receipt of a 100% disability rating for Meniere's disease.

The Veteran's balance problems and dizziness are not related to military service, hearing loss or tinnitus. The otorrhea (ear discharge) is considered a separate issue and granted.

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus with vertigo is rated at 10 percent, and the Board has granted a higher initial rating of 30 percent.