Secondary Service Connection

Vertigo as Secondary to Service-Connected Tinnitus

December 7, 2025

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OIF Army veteran • Chronic tinnitus • Episodic vertigo and imbalance

The Challenge

The veteran’s vertigo claim was previously denied. VA stated: “The evidence does not show your vertigo is proximately due to or the result of your service-connected tinnitus. No medical relationship has been established.”

What Existed Before

Service-connected tinnitus.
Episodes of dizziness and imbalance

Our Contribution

Review of auditory and balance-related patterns documented in treatment notes
Identification of symptom timing consistent with secondary vestibular involvement
Chronological analysis comparing tinnitus onset with vertigo development
Structured secondary-service-connection explanation using existing evidence

Key Takeaway

After the secondary-connection documentation - NEXUS LETTER was submitted, the veteran later received a favorable VA decision granting vertigo secondary to tinnitus.

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Content Standards

Written By

Military Disability Nexus Editorial Team

Educational Guidance and Evidence Research

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Reviewed For Clinical Accuracy

Military Disability Nexus Clinical Review Team

Clinical Integrity and Accuracy Review

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Originally published December 7, 2025 • Last updated July 13, 2026

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About this case study: This case study is general educational and medical information published by the Military Disability Nexus clinical team. It is not legal advice, not individualized medical advice, and not a substitute for a personal evaluation by a licensed clinician or a consultation with an accredited representative. Reading it does not create a doctor-patient or attorney-client relationship. VA law and rating criteria change; some details may not reflect the most recent updates, and every claim is decided by the VA on its own facts – no outcome is promised or guaranteed. Military Disability Nexus is an independent medical-evidence provider and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. Free claims assistance is available from VA-accredited Veterans Service Organizations and county Veterans Service Officers; you can verify any representative's accreditation through the VA Office of General Counsel.