VA Disability for Meniere’s Disease

Many Veterans develop hearing disorders or some form of hearing loss while in the military, regardless of their branch of service. This is likely attributable to the constant training near loud equipment, whether that be at the shooting range or while performing specific tasks related to your MOS. However, one ear disability that Veterans often fail to apply for is VA disability for Meniere’s disease.

What is Meniere’s Disease?

Meniere’s disease is a condition of the ear can lead to balance and hearing problems. According to Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit academic medical center, Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder that can lead to dizzy spells and hearing loss.

While Meniere’s Disease can impact both ears, in most cases only one ear is affected.

What are the Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease?

Meniere’s disease is associated with a variety of symptoms related to ear injuries. Mayo Clinic explains that the most common symptoms of Meniere’s disease include:

• Recurring episodes of vertigo – Vertigo is characterized by spinning sensations that start spontaneously and is the most common symptom of Meniere’s disease. The timeframe for a vertigo episode can be anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours. If vertigo is severe enough, you may experience nausea as well.
• Hearing loss – During the early stages of Meniere’s disease, hearing loss may come and go. However, over time the hearing loss may become permanent.
• Tinnitus (Ringing of the ear) – The perception of ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ear.
• Ear pressure – Individuals suffering from Meniere’s disease may feel as if their ear is full (aural fullness).

Episodes can come and go quickly, with signs and symptoms improving and disappearing at random intervals. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should talk to your medical provider about what may be causing the symptoms.

What Causes Meniere’s Disease?

Currently, there is no know cause of Meniere’s disease. However, the condition appears to occur when there is an overabundance of fluid in the inner ear.

Factors that contribute to the amount of fluid in the inner ear could cause Meniere’s disease, such as improper fluid draining due to blockage, unnatural immune response, viral infection, and genetic predisposition.

Receiving VA Disability for Meniere’s Disease

To receive VA disability for Meniere’s disease, you must first prove service connection for the condition. Basically, you must show the VA that the condition was caused by military service. To prove service connection, you must:

1. Have a current medical diagnosis for the disability
2. Have an in-service event or stressor that caused the disability
3. A medical nexus connecting the in-service event to your current disability

A medical opinion from an audiologist could be very important in helping prove your condition was caused by military service.

Berry Law – America’s Veterans Law Firm

Berry Law is America’s Veterans Law Firm and your fire support team to battle the VA. Founded in 1965 by a Vietnam Veteran, Berry Law has been fighting for Veterans with legal needs for over 50 years. The team features attorneys from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, and they are dedicated to providing fellow Veterans the legal firepower they need to get all the disability benefits they have earned.

If you need assistance appealing a denied VA claim or an unfavorable rating decision, contact Berry Law for a free case evaluation.