Vertigo & vestibular disorders decisions — 2018

The Board has granted restoration of a 20 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, effective November 8, 2013. The appeal regarding total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded.

The Board has determined that additional VA treatment records need to be obtained and a VA examination is required for the Veteran's claims of service connection for temporomandibular joint dysfunction with residuals, peripheral vestibular disorder, and Meniere's syndrome. The issues are being remanded for these purposes.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, vertigo, and perforation of the tympanic membrane of the left ear due to outstanding VA records not being provided. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it may be impacted by these other claims.

The Board has granted service connection for vertigo on a secondary basis to his service-connected hearing loss. The claim of depression is remanded as the Veteran did not undergo a VA examination and the AOJ must schedule one.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to November 23, 2011. The Board denied the claim for TDIU prior to that date.

The Board has remanded the claim for an increased rating for PTSD due to outstanding VA and private treatment records not being associated with the claims file. The Veteran was also granted service connection for vertigo, which is no longer in appeal status.

The Veteran's claims for vertigo, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.,New evidence has been submitted that raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU is remanded due to the need for further examination. The claims are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's appeal of the denial of service connection for sinusitis has been dismissed due to his withdrawal. The appeals for TBI, headaches, vertigo, pseudoseizures, sleep walking, and allergic rhinitis are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral hip disorder, eczema, and dizziness/vertigo. The Veteran's current conditions are deemed to have been incurred in active service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for tinnitus, vertigo/dizziness and Meniere's disease due to insufficient medical evidence. The claim for an increased rating for left shoulder strain is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's sleep hypopnea is secondary to his service-connected disabilities or medications.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection to vertigo due to tinnitus and military noise exposure has been dismissed because the Veteran passed away during the appeal process.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of ear disorder, vertigo/dizziness, and increased evaluation for TBI and right hand disabilities.

The Board has referred the Veteran's claim for an extraschedular disability rating in excess of 30 percent for residuals of a perforated eardrum with related vertigo to VA’s Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.