Don't know what to do with a Menieres claim

[Riplip]

So I am asking the Menieres gurus here about my situation. I have 70% bilat. hearing loss, tinnitus @ 10% and vestibular disorder rated at 30%(max). I have a diagnosis from a specialist that the VA sent me to outside of the VA stating I have bilat. Menieres. I think I want to claim the meneires because of how bad it is and I believe I could get more than the vestibular disorder and get me up to 100%. I'm nervous about making waves and opening up a can for the VA to somehow mess with my rating. Just wondering what others would do really just for thoughts. I don't think I have anything to lose but also I have no trust in the VA. Thank you

[Riplip]

Thank you Vync

[Riplip]

I have a question about how to read this schedule of ratings. The notes part of Meniere's has me confused. I feel I am in the 60% category most months but some months I end up in the 100% with the amount of attacks. On the other hand I have 70% hearing loss, 10% Tinnitus and 30% peripheral Vestibular disorder. If I pursued the Menieres and they put it at 60% or even worse 30% would they all be thrown together and I end up dropping to 60% or 30% total? Seems like I could lose some ratings if I try for it. Am I reading it wrong? Thanks

Meniere's.pdf

[Buck52]

just a small tip

when your filing claims no matter if first time claim or for increase on another claim Always ask for the claim to be rated to the highest degree percent allowed by Law

you can site the CFR 38 RATING CRITERIA that best fits in with your condition  if that rating criteria meets your condition and its 60%  then ask that you be rated the 60%  or what ever the case maybe.

this will let them know that you won't be low-balled with your ratings.

[Vync]

8 minutes ago, Buck52 said:

just a small tip

when your filing claims no matter if first time claim or for increase on another claim Always ask for the claim to be rated to the highest degree percent allowed by Law

you can site the CFR 38 RATING CRITERIA that best fits in with your condition  if that rating criteria meets your condition and its 60%  then ask that you be rated the 60%  or what ever the case maybe.

this will let them know that you won't be low-balled with your ratings.

This is good advice. It's just a shame that the VA doesn't always do this.

The VA likes to see records of treatment by medical professionals, but personal lay statements/evidence can make a big difference, especially if you are already SC. When I filed for migraines, I kept a diary/chart showing both the frequency and the symptoms associated with each episode. I submitted this along with my claim. If you run into any problems getting the highest rating allowed under law, consider this option.

[Riplip]

That is good advice. My DAV rep just answered me and he said If I claim Meniere's and they grant it at 60% then my three 70%,30% and 10% will be dropped resulting in a reduction. He said If i'm not confident I fit the criteria for 100% Meniere's confidently with medical documents to prove it then it may not be in my best interest. I think I will hold off and start a diary/log as well and keep it on the back burner. I'm still waiting for my claims file that I put in for in May so I hope to find something in there as well. Thank you for the replies.

[Vync]

Since this is a request for an increase, you only need evidence from the preceding 12 calendar months showing you meet the criteria for a higher rating tier. If you met the criteria 11 months ago, the VA would make that date the effective date of increase.

More information found on my blog entry: