Benign positional vertigo (BPV), also known simply as dizziness or vertigo – happens to a lot of people, including Veterans. This condition can be debilitating and disorienting, affecting the individual's daily life and ability to complete normal tasks. Veterans might have vertigo as a result of their time in service, perhaps due to a specific service event. For this reason, it's possible to get VA disability benefits for vertigo.
Here's everything you need to know about vertigo, and how Veterans can receive VA disability benefits for it:
What is vertigo?
Some people simply call vertigo "dizziness" – and that's because this condition causes a strong sensation of spinning, which some people report as feeling like their surroundings are spinning even though there's no actual movement. It's much more severe, however, than what most people would refer to as "dizziness". According to the Mayo Clinic, vertigo can make people feel "faint, woozy, weak or unsteady"... which is understandable, if the room feels like it's spinning when it's not!
Vertigo can be caused by issues within the inner ear or brain, impacting the body's ability to balance itself and spatially orient. This results in false signals being sent to the rest of the body, causing the false sense of spinning. Vertigo can also be caused by infections, poor circulation, or another injury. Many Veterans experience vertigo as a result of another service-connected condition or injury.
What are symptoms of vertigo?
The following symptoms are telltale signs of vertigo:
Dizziness
Spinning sensation
Balance problems
Nausea and vomiting
Sweating
Why are Veterans at risk for developing vertigo?
Due to the nature of military service, there are a few contributing factors that put Veterans at a higher risk for vertigo compared to civilians. Whether a one-time event or a slow build up over time, the following items contribute to a risk of developing vertigo:
Loud noise exposure: Loud noises, such as gunfire, explosions, or machinery – can damage the inner ear. This can cause a series of conditions that often result in vertigo.
Head injuries and TBIs: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other head injuries are unfortunately common in combat. These injuries can trigger vertigo.
Heightened stress: Stressful environments can worsen vertigo due to stress hormones affecting the inner ear’s function. In general, mental stress can worsen physical stress.
How Veterans can get VA disability benefits for vertigo
To get VA disability benefits for vertigo, you'll need to start with medical evaluation and documentation to prove your condition and also how it connects to your time in the military. If you suspect your vertigo is a result of a service-connected condition or injury, it will be possible to get VA disability benefits.
To get started, we recommend getting a medical evaluation or chart review. We help Veterans with both of those services, along with DBQs, Nexus Letters, and more – making the claims process much simpler and effective. If you're not sure where to start, you can get in touch with us to come up with a plan together.
A strong VA disability benefits claim starts with proper documentation. Nexus Letters, DBQs, chart reviews, and more – we can help you get what you need to be prepared. Sign up for a chart review, and view other services here. Instead of going it alone, work with one of our professional medical experts to get exactly what you need. Get the medical and financial support you need to move forward from vertigo or any other service-connected condition.
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