Ross A. McGinnis was born June 14, 1987, and grew up in Knox, PA, a kid who loved sports, humor, and cars. That easygoing wit stayed with him into the Army, which he joined at 17. After training at Fort Benning, he was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division in Germany, where his crew came to know him as the one who could always lighten the mood.

In Aug. 2006, McGinnis deployed to Baghdad as a machine gunner. On Dec. 4, an insurgent dropped a grenade into his Humvee. He had a clear path out through the gunner's hatch, but taking it meant leaving the four men below him to the blast. Instead, he threw himself onto the grenade and absorbed the blast with his own body. All four of his crewmates lived, but McGinnis was unfortunately killed instantly. He was only 19. For his sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, among the youngest to receive it in the Iraq War.

Read Ross McGinnis's full story at the Congressional Medal of Honor Society below.

Select any condition below, and we'll send a detailed information packet to your email, covering your diagnosis and how it may affect your VA claim.

Vertigo and chronic dizziness can occur with peripheral vestibular disorders, traumatic brain injury, migraine-related conditions, hearing or ear disorders, and other medical conditions.

Veterans with blast exposure or TBI may experience vestibular, balance, or auditory problems, but these associations do not by themselves establish that vertigo is service-connected.

Peripheral vestibular disorders, including Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), are rated under DC 6204: 

Meniere's syndrome is rated under DC 6205: 

VA evaluates Meniere’s syndrome either under DC 6205 or by separately evaluating vertigo, hearing impairment, and tinnitus, whichever produces the higher overall evaluation. The separate evaluations cannot be combined with a DC 6205 evaluation.

Veterans must establish three things to qualify for compensation: 

Vertigo often leads to additional problems that may qualify as separate ratings, including: 

Veterans can appeal, pursue secondary condition claims, or apply for TDIU if vertigo prevents safe or reliable employment. Clear medical documentation, a strong nexus opinion, and lay statements describing the frequency and impact of episodes are essential to a successful case. 

For a more comprehensive guide to VA ratings for vertigo, visit here.

If you’re facing challenges with your claim and need assistance, reach out for a free case evaluation.

🗺️ TACTICS

This 15-minute breakdown cuts through the confusion around Gulf War Syndrome and shows exactly where these claims fall apart. You'll learn what the VA recognizes as MUCMI (Medically Unexplained Chronic Multisymptom Illness), which symptoms and service records strengthen your case, and the specific pushback that causes these claims to be denied.

You'll also see how Gulf War Syndrome connects to the PACT Act and what that could mean for benefits you may have been told you don't qualify for. If you served in the Gulf and have been fighting symptoms no one can explain, this rundown helps you walk into your next claim knowing what you're up against.

Were you prescribed Dupixent (dupilumab) and later diagnosed with Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL)?

Recent studies have linked long-term Dupixent use to an increased risk of CTCL, a rare skin cancer. If you took Dupixent for at least one month and were diagnosed with CTCL—or a subtype like Mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome—after your first dose, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Find out if you qualify. The case review is free and confidential.

Act now. Contact us today at (855) 494-1298 to learn more about your options or to begin your claim. You’ve served your country; let us serve you.