The VA typically assigns ratings of 10% or 30% for vertigo, though ratings can reach 100% if the condition is diagnosed as Meniere’s Disease.
The rating depends on how severe the symptoms are and how often they happen. Vertigo is a serious condition that causes a sensation of extreme dizziness. It often comes with nausea and problems with coordination.
The VA usually rates vertigo under disorders that produce similar symptoms, most commonly peripheral vestibular disorders. If you experience disabling vertigo that is service-connected and have been denied benefits, it’s smart to get legal help with your claim.
Our team has over 120 years of combined legal experience, helping disabled veterans get access to the benefits they have earned by serving our country. Call for a consultation and learn more about how our Veterans Affairs Disability benefits claims lawyers can help.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a condition that makes you feel like you are spinning, even when you are standing in one spot. It is not a disease itself but a sign of other problems, often related to the inner ear or the brain.
You may also experience:
- Dizziness
- Imbalance
- Nausea
- Difficulty focusing
Severe and frequent vertigo can be disabling and impact your daily life. In some cases, it could be a sign of a more serious health issue that requires attention.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 562-9830
Rating Vertigo as a Peripheral Vestibular Disorder
For Veterans Disability claims, vertigo is typically rated under Diagnostic Code 6204, which covers peripheral vestibular disorders. Your rating is based on the severity and frequency of your symptoms.
Under Diagnostic Code 6204, ratings are generally 10% for occasional dizziness and 30% for dizziness with occasional staggering. To qualify for the higher rating, you must demonstrate not only dizziness but also episodes of staggering or imbalance that impact your mobility.
The VA requires objective findings supporting your diagnosis of a vestibular disorder before assigning a rating. This means medical evidence such as balance testing, vestibular function tests, or physician observations.
Vertigo and Meniere’s Disease
If your vertigo is associated with Meniere’s disease, the VA may rate the condition under Diagnostic Code 6205. This is a disorder linked to abnormal fluid buildup in the inner ear, and it’s sometimes associated with head injuries.
Ratings under DC 6205 can be significantly higher:
- Vertigo and cerebellar gait attacks occurring less than once monthly can result in a 30% rating.
- Hearing impairment with vertigo and cerebellar gait happening one to four times each month can be rated at 60%.
- Hearing impairment with vertigo and cerebellar gait happening more than once per week can earn a full 100% rating.
In such cases, the VA will evaluate your overall disability instead of rating vertigo separately. You will receive a single rating assigned under DC 6205 if your symptoms are all part of Meniere’s disease.
Secondary Service Connection for Vertigo
Vertigo is often not a primary condition but develops secondary to another service–connected disability. For example, veterans with service-connected traumatic brain injury may later develop vertigo, as well.
To establish a secondary service connection, you must show:
- A current diagnosis of vertigo or a vestibular disorder
- An existing service-connected condition
- Medical evidence linking the vertigo to the service-connected condition
A nexus letter from a treating physician is also extremely helpful. This gives a medical opinion stating the nexus between your condition and an event that occurred while you were in the service. The letter should explain how the primary condition caused or aggravated the vertigo.
Important Factors for a Vertigo VA Rating
Medical records and other documentation proving your condition help the VA make its determination and carry a great deal of weight.
Important factors include:
- C&P Exam: The VA will schedule a Compensation and Pension (C & P) Exam to evaluate the severity of your condition and its connection to your service.
- Service Connection: You must provide evidence of a direct service connection, meaning your vertigo began during service or was caused by an in-service injury or event.
- Total Disability Individual Unemployability: If you can prove your vertigo is so severe that you can’t work, you may be eligible for Total Disability Individual Unemployability, which pays at the 100% rate.
- Comorbidities: Proof of other conditions related to vertigo can help your case.
Get Help With Your VA Rating for Vertigo
The VA may rate vertigo between 10% and 100%, depending on the severity, duration, and frequency. There is no code for rating vertigo on its own. Instead, it is rated as part of another condition, or as a secondary condition.
Vertigo is more than just dizziness. It can prevent you from performing common activities, and may even stop you from working at your regular job. If you followed VA Disability claims procedures and your claim was denied, our team may be able to help.
Since 1993, Marc Whitehead & Associates has been here to help veterans get the benefits they earned. You were there when your country needed you. Now it is time for your country to be there for you.
Call for your free consultation to discuss your vertigo VA rating.
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