Vertigo & vestibular disorders Board decisions

The Veteran's right peroneal nerve palsy is not manifested by complete paralysis, and the current 30 percent rating for this condition remains appropriate.,Posttraumatic oculomotor dysfunction does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.,Chin scars are rated based on their severity but do not warrant an increased rating as they do not cause significant functional impairment or limitation of motion.,The excision of the left serratus for a muscle flap graft affecting the non-dominant extremity does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.,Degenerative disc disease with facet arthritis and spondylosis of the lumbar spine does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not result in incapacitating episodes or severe ankylosis.,Since April 19, 2016, the Veteran's TBI has been manifested by level '3' impairment under the Table of Facets of Cognitive Impairment and Other Residuals of TBI Not Otherwise Classified based on motor activity. A separate compensable rating for a peripheral vestibular disorder as a residual of TBI is granted.,Posttraumatic headaches, status-post TBI do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, and he was assigned a 30 percent rating for his vertigo as of November 27, 2006. The issues of increased initial ratings for TBI-related disabilities and entitlement to TDIU are also addressed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of her claims, including for service connection for Meniere's disease and an initial rating for PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for dry eye syndrome and vertigo. This includes obtaining VA examinations, medical opinions, and relevant treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the lack of identification of an available VA medical facility for his service-connected bronchial asthma and other conditions. The case will be readjudicated based on this information.

The Veteran is granted a separate 10 percent rating for benign paroxysmal vertigo and his TDIU claim is also granted. His right ear otitis media with mastoidectomy remains at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for vertigo and anxiety disorder, to include as secondary to vertigo, are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sinusitis, TMJ, and vertigo are related to his active service.,Service connection is granted for sinusitis, TMJ, and vertigo.

The Board granted service connection for a left knee disorder (DJD) and migraine headaches, but denied the Veteran's claims for other conditions. The left knee DJD was found to be related to service due to its onset within one year of retirement from service. Migraine headaches were also found to be incurred in service.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder disorder and low back disorder are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and his in-service concussion injury.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an increased rating for migraine headaches is also being remanded due to incomplete records from his former employer.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for vertigo, which is claimed as secondary to bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, has been remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The case is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and verifying periods of active duty service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be etiologically related to his active duty service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The issue of service connection for vertigo remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for vertigo and denied service connection for skin cancer and actinic keratosis, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service. Service connection was not granted for skin cancer or actinic keratosis due to lack of continuity of symptoms since service separation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran likely suffered from peripheral vestibular disorder symptoms during service and that he has been diagnosed with a peripheral vestibular disorder post-service based on similar symptoms. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's condition had its onset in service, thus granting service connection for his peripheral vestibular disorder.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depression and anxiety, is related to his military service. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depression and anxiety, is related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's disability manifested by dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and fluctuations in hearing levels (to include Meniere's disease) is service connected based on continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's right foot drop is found to be related to his military service, and the claim for service connection is granted. The issue of vertigo remains pending as it was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's current vertigo and disorientation were not manifested in service, are not shown to be related to service, and the Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss was reduced to a noncompensable rating effective April 16, 2013. The Veteran's peripheral vestibular disorder has been rated at 10 percent since May 21, 2012.