If I were to travel back in time four years to do one thing to better prepare myself for a career in Veteran’s Disability, I would have taken a couple of classes in anatomy and physiology. I think learning more about the body as whole, certain diseases, or even certain symptoms would have helped me significantly. At the very least, I could have read Gray’s Anatomy instead of watching Grey’s Anatomy to broaden my knowledge of the body. By relying on the latter option I know have an understanding of the complexity of being a modern doctor on the go, but can’t tell you the difference between radiculopathy and neuropathy.
Why am I bringing up my television habits again in this blog? It actually started a few years ago when I was talking to a Veteran about his claim. While discussing his case he mentioned that he has been diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. Before I go on too much further, I want to make it clear that I’m not completely inept. The fine educators at West Virginia University made a glorious attempt to educate me. The sad fact of the matter is that when you study communications in graduate school, you’re not likely to spend a lot of time on the anatomy of the ear. I shared my background because I want you to understand my follow up question to his inquiry. I asked if it had something to do with working in a coal mine. Please don’t judge. He was from southern West Virginia, spoke with an accident, and did work in coal mine. When he spoke I thought he had said “miner’s disease.” This is why I believe a few anatomy classes would have helped me significantly.
After my embarrassing encounter I decided to do research on Meniere’s disease so that I would not seem foolish again. It turns out the Meniere’s disease actually affects the inner ear. According to a place I learned about on Grey’s Anatomy, The Mayo Clinic, Meniere’s is actually quite serious. They state that Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes spontaneous episodes of vertigo along with fluctuating hearing loss, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), and sometimes a feeling of fullness or pressure in your ear. I also feel obligated to inform you that Meniere’s disease is traditionally a chronic condition.
When I mentioned that Meniere’s disease was serious I didn’t mean to imply that is was life threatening. It’s serious in realm of Veterans Disability because a Veteran can actually get service connected for Meniere’s disease up to 100%. In fact, there are only three ratings for Meniere’s disease in the 38 CFR. Those ratings include 30%, 60% and 100% service connected.
My intention with this blog has always been to educate Veterans. I am not concerned with impressing VA Disability Attorneys. With that in mind, I am not going to go over the different criteria for the different ratings. Just keep in mind that the biggest difference in the ratings involves vertigo attacks and cerebellar gait.
Prior to researching this blog I did not realize the severity in which Meniere’s disease can impact a person’s life. I’m glad I felt compelled to investigate the symptoms so that I may better serve the Veterans who are wishing to get service connected for this condition.
If you are struggling with Meniere’s disease, give us a call for a free consultation. Our toll free number is: 1-877-526-3457. If you’d rather speak us at a different time, use our online chat, or fill out this form to schedule a free consultation.
