Vertigo & vestibular disorders decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's applications to reopen his claims of service connection for congestive heart failure, hypertension, and vertigo as secondary to service-connected residuals of a tonsillectomy. The evidence received since the prior denials was not considered sufficient to establish new and material evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a positive PPD test, cupulolithiasis with vertigo (claimed as damage to otolithic membrane), and bilateral knee disability. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including irregular heartbeat, ringing in the ears and vertigo, prostate disorder, and low back pain. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the veteran's Meniere's disease and left ear tinnitus are related to his military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to a lack of evidence showing that his vertigo and stomach/intestine disability were caused by VA medical treatment in April 1996 and January/February 1997, respectively.

The Board found that the veteran's vertigo was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on a need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for his service-connected Meniere's disease with hearing loss and the propriety of a reduction in disability evaluation. The case has been remanded to ensure all notification and development actions required by the VCAA are met.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for vestibular neuronitis, finding no evidence of a current disability related to military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's Meniere's syndrome warrants a 100 percent initial rating effective April 8, 2002. The disability is characterized by attacks of vertigo occurring more than once weekly and unsteady gait.

The veteran seeks service connection for a bilateral ear disorder, including hearing loss and vertigo. The case is remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine the nature and etiology of any such disorders.

The Board granted service connection for residuals of right and left knee disabilities, respiratory condition, and Meniere's syndrome. The rating for tinea pedis was increased to 10 percent, and the claimant is entitled to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected Meniere's syndrome.

The Board found no evidence of a concussion or skull fracture during service, and the post-service medical records do not support a causal relationship between current symptoms and in-service trauma. The veteran's headaches are diagnosed as tension headaches with no competent opinion linking them to service.

The Board has granted service connection for duodenitis and gastritis secondary to service-connected PTSD, and the RO has granted a 10% disability rating for Meniere's disease effective from September 11, 2000.

The Board has granted service connection for genitourinary conditions, including recurrent bladder infections and prostatitis. Service connection was denied for hypertension, vertigo, sinusitis, bronchitis, and a skin rash.