The Veteran developed ototoxicity and vestibulopathy as a result of VA treatment for bacteremia/septic arthritis in April 2004. The Board found that the proximate cause was VA's failure to monitor Gentamicin levels, resulting in the development of these conditions.
The deciding factor: VA treatment resulted in ototoxicity and vestibulopathy due to the use of high-dose Gentamicin for pseudomonas endocarditis, which was necessary but not without risk. The Veteran's condition is considered a result of VA care as it was reasonably foreseeable given the nature of the treatment.
- Claimed conditions
- ototoxicity, vestibulopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 26, 2011
- Citation
- 1103423
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1103423.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including major depressive disorder and bilateral plantar fasciitis, have prevented him from securing and following gainful employment since January 5, 2021.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's diagnosed vertigo, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service. The issue of an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for asbestosis remains pending and must be remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the etiology of any current diagnosed vestibular disorder, including Meniere's disease and related conditions. The Veteran must be advised of the importance of reporting to the scheduled VA examination.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's vertigo did not become chronic in service and there was no continuity of symptomatology between service and the present. The Board also noted conflicting medical opinions regarding whether the vertigo is related to service, with one examiner attributing it to noise exposure during service and another indicating it is unrelated to service.
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