Meniere's Disease VA Rating 2026: DC 6205 Criteria

What is Meniere’s disease and how does it affect veterans?

Meniere’s disease is a chronic inner ear disorder that causes episodes of vertigo (a spinning sensation), fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear. The condition results from abnormal fluid buildup (endolymphatic hydrops) in the inner ear, which disrupts both hearing and balance function.

The cause of Meniere’s disease remains unclear, according to NIDCD. Hearing loss and tinnitus can be symptoms of Meniere’s disease rather than its causes. A history of noise exposure or injury should be documented, but does not establish an inevitable progression to Meniere’s disease. An ENT clinician should evaluate the diagnosis, alternative explanations, and any case-specific link to service or another disability.

The impact of Meniere’s disease on daily life is severe and unpredictable. Vertigo attacks can last from 20 minutes to several hours and leave the veteran unable to stand, walk, or function. During an attack, the world appears to spin violently, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Between attacks, many veterans experience persistent balance problems, progressive hearing loss, and constant tinnitus. The unpredictable nature of the attacks makes driving dangerous, employment difficult, and social activities stressful. Many veterans with Meniere’s disease describe living in constant fear of the next attack.

VA diagnostic code for Meniere’s disease

Meniere’s disease is rated under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6205 per 38 CFR § 4.87, Schedule of Ratings — Ear.

DC 6205 specifically covers Meniere’s syndrome (endolymphatic hydrops) and provides a single rating that accounts for hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus together. The rating criteria are based on the frequency and severity of vertigo attacks combined with hearing impairment and the presence of cerebellar gait disturbance.

Two ways to rate, and no combining: The Note to DC 6205 directs VA to “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 do not combine an evaluation for hearing impairment, tinnitus, or vertigo with an evaluation under diagnostic code 6205.” If you receive a DC 6205 rating, you cannot also receive separate ratings for hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo. The alternative is separate ratings for vertigo under DC 6204 (peripheral vestibular disorders), hearing loss under DC 6100, and tinnitus under DC 6260, combined under VA math. VA should use whichever method gives the higher overall evaluation.

Rating criteria for Meniere’s disease

Under DC 6205, the schedule lists three levels (30%, 60%, and 100%). A 0% applies only through 38 CFR § 4.31 when the 30% criteria are not met:

0% rating

Criteria: DC 6205 has no 0% level. Under 38 CFR § 4.31, VA assigns 0% when Meniere’s disease is service-connected but the requirements for 30% are not met (for example, no documented hearing impairment with vertigo).

Monthly payment: $0 (but establishes service connection for future increases and secondary claims)

What this looks like: You have a confirmed diagnosis of Meniere’s disease but do not currently meet the 30% criteria. The condition is quiescent, though it may return. This rating preserves your service connection.

30% rating — $552.47/month

Criteria: Hearing impairment with vertigo less than once a month, with or without tinnitus.

What this looks like: You have documented hearing loss and experience vertigo episodes, but the attacks occur less frequently than monthly. You may go several weeks or even a couple of months between attacks. When they occur, they are disabling for the duration, but the relatively low frequency places you at this level. You may also experience tinnitus. Between attacks, you may have balance instability and fluctuating hearing.

60% rating — $1,435.02/month

Criteria: Hearing impairment with attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait occurring from one to four times a month, with or without tinnitus.

What this looks like: Vertigo attacks are frequent — at least monthly and up to weekly. During and after attacks, your balance is severely impaired (cerebellar gait), making you walk unsteadily and making falls a real danger. Your hearing loss is documented and likely progressive. The frequency of attacks significantly disrupts your work, driving, and daily activities. You may need to call in sick to work regularly and have difficulty maintaining employment.

100% rating — $3,938.58/month

Criteria: Hearing impairment with attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait occurring more than once a week, with or without tinnitus.

What this looks like: Vertigo attacks occur more than once per week, essentially dominating your life. You experience near-constant balance impairment, progressive hearing loss, and likely persistent tinnitus. You cannot drive, maintain regular employment, or reliably perform daily activities. The frequency and severity of attacks effectively preclude most normal functioning. This represents the most severe manifestation of Meniere’s disease.

What evidence do you need?

Service records

• Service treatment records documenting ear problems, hearing loss, dizziness, or balance issues
• Audiograms from service showing hearing changes over time
• Records of noise exposure — military occupational specialty, deployment locations, weapons qualifications
• Documentation of head trauma, blast exposure, or concussive events
• Incident reports related to ear injuries

Medical evidence

• ENT (otolaryngologist) diagnosis of Meniere’s disease or endolymphatic hydrops
• Audiograms showing hearing loss pattern (typically low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss that fluctuates)
• Videonystagmography (VNG) or electronystagmography (ENG) testing showing vestibular dysfunction
• Electrocochleography (ECoG) results if available (can confirm endolymphatic hydrops)
• MRI of the brain and internal auditory canals (to rule out other causes)
• Treatment records documenting prescribed medications (diuretics, meclizine, betahistine, etc.)
• Vertigo attack log — a diary documenting the date, duration, and severity of each episode
• Records of any surgical interventions (endolymphatic sac decompression, gentamicin injections, etc.)

Nexus letter

An ENT specialist’s opinion should address your individual diagnosis, history, alternative causes, and whether service or a service-connected disability caused or aggravated the condition. Shared symptoms or a history of noise exposure alone do not establish causation. A secondary theory involving hearing loss or tinnitus needs medical reasoning specific to your case.

Buddy statements

Statements from family members, coworkers, or friends who have witnessed your vertigo attacks and their aftermath. Descriptions of you being unable to stand, vomiting, being bedridden for hours, and the unsteady walking after attacks are particularly valuable. Fellow service members can corroborate noise exposure and in-service ear symptoms.

C&P exam tips for Meniere’s disease

What the examiner evaluates

• Confirmation of Meniere’s disease diagnosis
• Current hearing levels (audiometric testing will likely be performed)
• Vestibular function testing results
• Frequency of vertigo attacks (how many per month)
• Severity and duration of vertigo episodes
• Presence of cerebellar gait or balance disturbance
• Presence and severity of tinnitus (considered within DC 6205, or rated separately only under the alternative method)
• Impact on daily functioning and employability
• Connection to military service

How to prepare

1. Keep a detailed vertigo diary. For at least two to three months before the exam, log every vertigo episode with the date, time of onset, duration, severity (mild, moderate, severe), and impact (bedridden, unable to work, etc.). This is the most critical piece of evidence.
2. Bring prior test results. Have copies of all audiograms, VNG results, and any other ear testing. If your hearing has declined over time, serial audiograms are powerful evidence.
3. Describe attacks in detail. When asked about your vertigo, describe the full experience — the spinning, nausea, vomiting, inability to stand, and recovery time. Be specific about how long you are incapacitated.
4. Report balance problems between attacks. Many Meniere’s patients have ongoing balance issues even between acute vertigo episodes. Describe any unsteadiness, difficulty walking in the dark, or problems with balance-demanding activities.
5. Count your attacks accurately. The difference between less than once a month (30%), one to four times a month (60%), and more than once a week (100%) is enormous in terms of compensation. Your diary should support your reported frequency.
6. Mention the impact on driving. If vertigo makes driving unsafe or you have stopped driving, say so. This demonstrates the severity of functional impairment.

Common secondary conditions linked to Meniere’s disease

Meniere’s disease affects the inner ear and broader quality of life, leading to several secondary conditions:

• Depression — The unpredictable, disabling nature of Meniere’s disease is strongly associated with depression. The loss of independence, inability to drive or work reliably, progressive hearing loss, and social isolation from fear of attacks all contribute to depressive disorders.
• Anxiety — Living in constant fear of the next vertigo attack creates significant anxiety. Many veterans with Meniere’s disease develop anticipatory anxiety that itself limits their activities and quality of life. Agoraphobia (fear of leaving safe spaces) is not uncommon.
• Sleep apnea — The stress and medications associated with Meniere’s disease can affect sleep quality. Some Meniere’s medications cause drowsiness that disrupts normal sleep patterns, and the anxiety from the condition can worsen sleep disorders.
• Tinnitus — Tinnitus is part of the DC 6205 criteria (“with or without tinnitus”). VA cannot combine a separate tinnitus rating under DC 6260 with a DC 6205 rating. Tinnitus is rated separately (10%) only if VA uses the alternative method of rating vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus separately instead of DC 6205.
• Fall injuries — Vertigo attacks and chronic balance impairment from Meniere’s disease significantly increase fall risk. Injuries from falls (fractures, head injuries, sprains) may be service-connected as secondary to Meniere’s.

How to calculate your monthly payment

Your total VA disability payment depends on your combined rating across all service-connected conditions. Veterans with Meniere’s disease often also have depression, anxiety, and other conditions that combine for a higher overall rating. Remember that hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo ratings cannot be combined with a DC 6205 rating.

Use our VA disability calculator to:

• Calculate your combined rating with multiple conditions
• Understand how VA math combines ratings (30% + 10% does not equal 40%)
• Estimate your monthly payment including dependents

For the full breakdown of payment amounts at every rating level, see our 2026 VA disability pay rates page.

Correction — October 21, 2026: Clarified that the cause of Meniere’s disease is uncertain and that noise exposure, hearing loss, or tinnitus alone does not establish service connection.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. For personalized guidance on your VA disability claim, consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or claims agent. You can find accredited representatives at VA.gov.