Vertigo & vestibular disorders decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an ear disorder (Meniere's syndrome), and an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and bulimia nervosa) have all been denied as there is insufficient evidence to support a finding that these conditions are related to his active service.,The Veteran did not provide any in-service disease or injury with which the current disabilities may be associated.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's vertigo is related to the removal of a mass from his neck, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's BPPV is rated at 30 percent disabling as of April 24, 2020. The condition causes dizziness and occasional staggering.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent for the period prior to June 5, 2017.,A 60 percent disability evaluation for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo was granted on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for vertigo due to inadequate examination and reasoning.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for Meniere's syndrome and TBI due to insufficient development of records related to an in-service assault. The Veteran was not provided with all requested Inspector General investigation records, which are necessary to determine if his disabilities were caused by such assaults.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and an updated medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's current vertigo, migraine headaches, and lumbar spine disabilities are related to his active service.

The Board has denied service connection for carpal tunnel of the left hand, migraines, varicose veins of the left lower extremity, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and vertigo as there is no current diagnosis for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for Meniere's Disease was denied, and his TDIU claim was granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine the functional impairment of the Veteran's reported intermittent headaches, nausea, and vertigo, including their relationship to his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the increased rating for vertigo and service connection for erectile dysfunction (ED).

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of secondary service connection for vertigo, which may be related to service-connected conditions like deviated nasal septum and headaches. The Veteran's lay statements and medical records indicate a potential link between his vertigo and these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his cervical spine disability is denied, and the Board has ordered a remand to address his claim of service connection for vertigo as secondary to his cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus and unspecified depressive disorder have been granted service connection. Obesity, eye disorder (including ocular hypertension), bilateral plantar fasciitis, migraine headaches, and vertigo are denied.,The claims of service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, migraine headaches, and vertigo need to be remanded as the Veteran has not been afforded a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus due to new evidence received since the last denial. The Veteran's in-service noise exposure is noted but the relationship between his current conditions and service remains unclear.