Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses about Ménière's Disease and Veterans' Disability.
Leah discusses Ménière's disease in the context of VA disability compensation. She explains that many service members and veterans suffer from Ménière's disease, an inner ear disorder causing vertigo, dizziness, disorientation, hearing loss, tinnitus, nausea, and sweating. Symptoms can last from minutes to 24 hours and may be confused with other conditions like BPPV. Leah emphasizes the importance of consulting healthcare providers for proper diagnosis. She outlines how Ménière's disease can be service-connected on a primary basis (directly during service) or a secondary basis. A significant aspect is its association with acoustic noise exposure, referencing a study on post-traumatic Ménière's disease.