This tool provides estimates for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Vertigo (Peripheral Vestibular Disorders)
- Peripheral vestibular disorders are capped at 30% under DC 6204, but Meniere's disease (DC 6205) can rate up to 100%.
- Commonly secondary to TBI from blast exposure or head trauma damaging inner ear structures.
- The vestibular and auditory systems share inner ear anatomy, hearing loss and vertigo frequently co-occur.
- Veterans with vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus together should explore whether Meniere's disease criteria are met for a higher rating.
Based on VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and related service-connection regulations. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026
Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.
Primary sources: 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities), VA.gov disability compensation, 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection)
Overview
Peripheral vestibular disorders cause episodes of dizziness, vertigo, and balance disturbance resulting from dysfunction of the inner ear's vestibular apparatus. They are rated under Diagnostic Code 6204 (peripheral vestibular disorders) and may also be rated under DC 6205 (Meniere's disease) when the full symptom complex is present.
The VA rates peripheral vestibular disorders at two compensable levels under DC 6204: 10% for occasional dizziness and 30% for dizziness and occasional staggering. While these ratings may seem modest, the condition can have a significant impact on employment and daily functioning. Veterans who also experience hearing loss and tinnitus alongside vertigo may qualify for a higher rating under DC 6205 (Meniere's disease), which rates up to 100%.
Vertigo is commonly claimed as secondary to TBI, where blast exposure or head trauma damages the vestibular structures. It can also develop secondary to inner ear conditions, hearing loss, or from the same noise/blast exposure that caused tinnitus. The vestibular and auditory systems share the inner ear anatomy, so damage to one frequently affects the other.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Occasional dizziness. |
| 30% | Dizziness and occasional staggering. |
- 10%
Occasional dizziness.
- 30%
Dizziness and occasional staggering.
These criteria describe how a VA Compensation & Pension examiner evaluates the condition during a rating exam. They are not a self-test. For mental health conditions under 38 CFR 4.130, a diagnosis must be made by a qualified clinician under DSM-5. Actual ratings depend on the totality of evidence reviewed by the VA.
Evidence Checklist
Required
ENT evaluation
Ear, nose, and throat specialist examination documenting vestibular dysfunction, including clinical tests for positional vertigo and nystagmus.
Vestibular testing
Formal vestibular function tests such as electronystagmography (ENG), videonystagmography (VNG), or rotary chair testing documenting inner ear dysfunction.
Recommended
Audiogram
Hearing evaluation to document any concurrent hearing loss, which may support a Meniere's disease diagnosis (DC 6205) for higher ratings.
Service medical records
In-service records documenting blast exposure, head trauma, or other events that could have damaged the vestibular system.
Helpful
Episode log
A personal record documenting the frequency, duration, and severity of vertigo episodes, including any falls or near-falls.
Buddy statements
Statements from family or coworkers describing observed episodes of dizziness, unsteadiness, or falls.
Secondary Conditions
These conditions may be claimed as secondary to Vertigo (Peripheral Vestibular Disorders). A nexus is the medical link between a service-connected condition and a related condition. Nexus strength indicates the level of established medical evidence supporting that connection.
Depression
DC 9434, Typical range: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%
Fall-Related Injuries
DC 5284, Typical range: 10%, 20%, 30%
Vestibular Migraine
DC 8100, Typical range: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%
Explore all secondary conditions in the Secondary Condition Mapper tool.
Related DBQs
Elbow and Forearm Conditions
Form 21-0960M-4
Hearing Loss and Tinnitus
Form 21-0960N-1
Ear Conditions (Other Than Hearing Loss/Tinnitus)
Form 21-0960N-2
Heart Conditions
Form 21-0960A-1
Esophageal Conditions (Including GERD)
Form 21-0960G-1
Search all DBQ forms in the DBQ Finder tool.
Next Steps
This information is for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.