Vertigo & vestibular disorders decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral tympanic membrane perforation, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and Meniere's disease. The evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection due to lack of noise exposure in service and pre-existing conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's vertigo is proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by his service-connected tinnitus.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including a VA audiological evaluation and clarification of the veteran's muscle groups involved in his service-connected conditions.

The Board has raised questions about the exact nature and etiology of the veteran's claimed left knee disability and Meniere's disease. Additional development is needed to determine if these conditions are service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case back to the RO for scheduling a videoconference hearing and further development.

The Board found that the veteran does not have labyrinthitis or otitis media that is related to active service and denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, finding that the veteran's condition is related to a head injury sustained in service. Service connection was denied for itchiness of the ears due to lack of chronic disability and no evidence linking it to service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to ensure a complete record is available before deciding whether the veteran's Meniere's disease was incurred in service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining missing service medical records and arranging for a VA examination. The claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The RO previously denied these claims, and no new evidence was presented to reopen any of the claims.