Meniere’s Disease VA Rating Guide for Veterans

Ménière’s disease is a chronic inner ear condition marked by balance problems, hearing changes, and recurring vertigo. These symptoms can disrupt work, communication, and daily routines. 

To qualify for a Meniere’s disease VA rating, you need a current diagnosis, evidence of an in-service event or injury, and medical evidence linking the two. 

This post explains how the VA rates Meniere’s disease, how it differs from vertigo, and what to expect during a compensation and pension (C&P) exam. 

Key Takeaways

• The VA assigns ratings for Meniere’s disease from 30% to 100%, under diagnostic code 6205.

• The VA may rate Meniere’s disease as a single condition or assign separate ratings for vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus, whichever results in the higher overall evaluation. 

• If you file a claim, you may be scheduled for a C&P exam for Meniere’s disease to evaluate vertigo frequency, hearing loss and tinnitus, functional impact, and relevant medical history.

Is Meniere’s Disease a Disability for VA Purposes?

Yes. Meniere’s disease is considered a ratable disability under VA regulations when it results in hearing impairment with recurring attacks of vertigo, with or without tinnitus, and gait disturbance. 

The VA recognizes Meniere’s disease as a condition that can significantly affect balance, hearing, and daily functioning. 

A Meniere’s disease VA rating is based on the frequency and severity of symptoms rather than your current diagnosis alone. 

What is Meniere’s Disease?

Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear believed to be caused by abnormal fluid buildup. It typically affects one ear, though bilateral cases do occur. 

Common symptoms include: 

• Recurrent episodes of vertigo lasting minutes to hours 

• Sensorineural hearing loss, often fluctuating or progressive 

• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear) 

• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear 

Meniere’s Disease VA Rating

The VA rates Meniere’s disease under 38 CFR § 4.87, DC 6205, Meniere’s syndrome (endolymphatic hydrops).

A VA rating for Meniere’s disease may be assigned at: 

• 100% VA Rating – Hearing impairment with attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait occurring more than once weekly, with or without tinnitus 

• 60% VA Rating – Hearing impairment with attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait occurring from one to four times a month, with or without tinnitus 

• 30% VA Rating – Hearing impairment with vertigo less than once a month, with or without tinnitus 

Note: Evaluate Meniere’s syndrome either under these criteria or by separately evaluating vertigo (as a peripheral vestibular disorder), hearing impairment, and tinnitus, whichever method results in a higher overall evaluation. But don’t combine an evaluation for hearing impairment, tinnitus, or vertigo with an evaluation under DC 6205. 

Establishing Service Connection for Meniere’s Disease

To be eligible for VA disability for Meniere’s disease, you must prove the following:  

• A current medical diagnosis of Meniere’s disease, and  

• An in-service event, injury, illness, or aggravation, and  

• A medical nexus, or link, between your current diagnosis and the in-service event, injury, illness, or aggravation (e.g., a nexus letter)

A nexus letter can provide a clear medical explanation linking your current diagnosis to an in-service event. 

How to File a VA Claim

You can file a VA claim using VA Form 21-526EZ:  

• Online 

• By mail 

• Via fax 

• In person at a VA regional office 

C&P Exam for Meniere’s Disease

If you file a claim, you may be scheduled for a C&P exam for Meniere’s disease. 

During the exam, the examiner typically evaluates: 

• Frequency and severity of vertigo attacks 

• Hearing loss and tinnitus symptoms 

• Functional impact on daily activities and work 

• Medical history and prior diagnostic testing 

The examiner’s findings play a significant role in how the VA assigns a rating, particularly when evaluating the frequency of vertigo episodes. 

>> Learn More: How Much Weight Does a C&P Exam Have? 

How Meniere’s Differs from Vertigo

Vertigo describes a sensation of spinning or imbalance, but it doesn’t identify the medical condition causing it.

Meniere’s disease, by contrast, is a specific inner ear disorder in which vertigo occurs alongside hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear pressure. 

This difference is important for VA claims because the rating approach changes based on the current diagnosis.  

Vertigo without Meniere’s is usually evaluated under the criteria for vestibular disorders, while a current diagnosis of Meniere’s disease is generally rated under DC 6205, which considers multiple symptoms together. 

If you’ve been diagnosed with vertigo but aren’t sure it’s Meniere’s, check out our post on VA Rating for Vertigo and Vestibular Disorders. 

Medical Evidence Wins Claims

Did you know that a lack of medical evidence is the #1 reason VA disability claims are denied? 

Medical evidence is crucial for VA raters reviewing a disability claim. 

Telemedica provides solutions for veterans looking to bolster their claims through high-quality medical evidence that wins claims! 

Schedule your 20-minute consultation and learn how to get the supporting medical evidence you need to strengthen your claim.

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions

How does the VA rate Meniere’s disease?

The VA rates Meniere’s disease under DC 6205, with evaluations ranging from 30% to 100% based on the frequency of vertigo attacks and the presence of hearing loss and balance impairment.  

You may receive a Meniere’s disease VA rating either as a single condition or through separate ratings for vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss, whichever produces the higher overall evaluation. 

Can you get a VA rating for dizziness?

There is no separate diagnostic code for dizziness on its own. When dizziness is part of Meniere’s disease and service connection is established, it’s evaluated under DC 6205 based on the frequency and severity of vertigo, hearing loss, and related symptoms. 

Can military service cause Meniere’s disease?

Yes, military service can contribute to the development or worsening of Meniere’s disease in some cases. Factors that may be relevant include: 

• Repeated exposure to loud noise and acoustic trauma 

• Head injuries or blast exposure 

• Chronic ear infections or barotrauma 

• Stress-related physiological changes during service 

How does the VA test for Meniere’s disease?

There is no single definitive test for Meniere’s disease. Instead, the VA relies on medical documentation showing a consistent pattern of symptoms over time. Your doctor may also consider clinical history, symptom patterns, and diagnostic findings. 

What is the highest VA rating for Meniere’s disease?

The maximum VA rating for Meniere’s disease is 100% when vertigo attacks occur more than once per week, along with hearing impairment and tinnitus. 

Can I get a Meniere’s disease secondary to tinnitus VA rating?

No, tinnitus is already included under DC 6205, so Meniere’s disease can’t be rated secondary to tinnitus; even if medical evidence suggests a link.