VA Disability Rating for Vertigo / Ménière's Disease
Rated 30–100% by frequency of vertigo attacks. Ménière's (6205) separate from peripheral vestibular (6204).
Ménière's disease (DC 6205) is rated 30/60/100% by frequency of cerebellar gait attacks. Peripheral vestibular disorder (DC 6204) is rated 10/30% for occasional or persistent vertigo. File both if unclear — VA chooses the more accurate DC.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 30% | $552.47 | Hearing impairment with attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait occurring 1 to 4 times/month, with or without tinnitus. |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | Hearing impairment with attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait occurring more than once weekly, with or without tinnitus. |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | Hearing impairment with attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait occurring more than once weekly AND tinnitus, with significant interference with employability. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 30%: $552.47/mo · $6,630/year, tax-free
- →At 60%: $1,435.02/mo · $17,220/year, tax-free
- →At 100%: $3,938.58/mo · $47,263/year, tax-free
How to get rated for vertigo / ménière's disease
- ENT evaluation + audiogram.
- Attack log: date, duration, triggers.
- Ménière's requires the triad (vertigo + hearing loss + tinnitus); without all three, rate under peripheral vestibular (DC 6204).
Common secondary conditions
- +Tinnitus
- +Hearing loss
- +Anxiety / panic (from unpredictable attacks)
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Blast / acoustic trauma in service supports the nexus.
- Often bundles with tinnitus + hearing loss — file all three.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between 6204 and 6205?
6205 (Ménière's) requires the triad: vertigo + hearing loss + tinnitus. 6204 (peripheral vestibular) is vertigo without the full Ménière's pattern. Max for 6204 is 30%; 6205 goes to 100%.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.