A VA vertigo rating evidence checklist should do more than say "I get dizzy." Under the ear rating schedule, peripheral vestibular disorders are generally rated at 10% for occasional dizziness or 30% for dizziness with occasional staggering, and compensable ratings require objective findings that support vestibular disequilibrium. If the record points to Meniere's syndrome, VA may compare DC 6205 against separate ratings for vertigo, hearing impairment, and tinnitus.
This guide is for veterans building a new vertigo claim, a vertigo secondary to tinnitus or TBI theory, a migraine-related dizziness file, a Meniere's claim, or a supplemental claim after denial. TYFYS is a private paid service. We are not the VA, not a VSO, and not a law firm. This is educational evidence strategy, not legal or medical advice. If you have dizziness, falls, hearing changes, or neurologic symptoms, seek medical care first.
Quick answer
- DC 6204: focus on a vestibular diagnosis, objective findings, dizziness frequency, and whether episodes involve staggering.
- DC 6205: if Meniere's is diagnosed, document hearing impairment, vertigo attacks, cerebellar gait, tinnitus, and attack frequency.
- Secondary theory: tinnitus, TBI, migraines, neck injury, ear trauma, or medication history may matter, but the file needs a medical explanation, not just symptom overlap.
- Best evidence: ENT or neurology notes, vestibular testing, Ear Conditions DBQ findings, episode logs, fall/safety records, and lay statements.
Table of Contents
- How VA rates vertigo and vestibular disorders
- The 9-part VA vertigo evidence checklist
- Secondary vertigo claims: tinnitus, TBI, migraines, and neck injuries
- When Meniere's changes the rating analysis
- How to build a vertigo episode log
- Mistakes that weaken vertigo claims
- How TYFYS helps organize the file
- FAQ
How VA rates vertigo and vestibular disorders
The main rating code for many diagnosed peripheral vestibular disorders is 38 CFR 4.87, Diagnostic Code 6204. It lists 10% for occasional dizziness and 30% for dizziness with occasional staggering. The note under DC 6204 matters: objective findings supporting vestibular disequilibrium are required before VA assigns a compensable evaluation under that code.
That objective-finding requirement is why a symptom-only claim can stall. A veteran may describe spinning, imbalance, nausea, unsafe driving, falls, or trouble walking, but the medical file still needs a diagnosed vestibular condition and exam findings that help VA identify the condition being rated.
| Rating path | What VA looks for | Evidence to organize |
|---|---|---|
| DC 6204 peripheral vestibular disorder | Occasional dizziness, or dizziness with occasional staggering | ENT diagnosis, vestibular exam, abnormal objective findings, episode log, lay statements, Ear Conditions DBQ |
| DC 6205 Meniere's syndrome | Hearing impairment with attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait, with or without tinnitus | Audiology records, ENT diagnosis, gait findings, vertigo attack frequency, tinnitus and hearing evidence |
| Separate ratings comparison | Whether separate vertigo, hearing impairment, and tinnitus ratings create a higher overall evaluation than DC 6205 | Rating decision, audiology results, tinnitus grant, vestibular diagnosis, VA math estimate |
Do not assume every dizziness file belongs under DC 6204. Dizziness can appear with migraines, medication changes, orthostatic blood pressure issues, anxiety, neurologic disease, cardiac conditions, ear infections, TBI residuals, or Meniere's disease. The strongest claim names the actual diagnosis and matches the evidence to that diagnosis.
The 9-part VA vertigo evidence checklist
1. A clear current diagnosis
Start with the exact diagnosis: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, peripheral vestibular disorder, vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, Meniere's syndrome, vestibular migraine, post-traumatic vestibular dysfunction, or another clinician-diagnosed condition. A vague note that says "dizziness" may describe a symptom without establishing the disability VA needs to evaluate.
2. Objective vestibular findings
Because DC 6204 requires objective findings for a compensable rating, preserve results from ENT or neurology exams, vestibular testing, balance testing, Dix-Hallpike testing when performed, Romberg or gait findings, videonystagmography, electronystagmography, audiology findings, or specialist interpretation. Not every veteran has every test, but the file should show more than self-reported dizziness.
3. Episode frequency, duration, and triggers
VA needs enough detail to understand the pattern. Record the date, duration, trigger, symptoms, recovery time, medication used, missed work, unsafe driving, and whether the episode involved staggering, a fall, or needing help to walk. A 30-second positional spin is not documented the same way as a 3-hour attack with vomiting and staggering.
4. Staggering, balance, and fall evidence
The difference between occasional dizziness and dizziness with occasional staggering can matter. Document objective gait findings, assistive devices, urgent care notes, physical therapy records, fall reports, injury records, supervisor statements, spouse observations, and safety changes such as avoiding ladders, stairs, driving, heights, machinery, or solo showers.
5. Hearing loss and tinnitus records
If tinnitus, hearing loss, or Meniere's is part of the theory, gather audiology testing, tinnitus diagnosis, hearing-aid records, ENT notes, acoustic trauma history, and the rating decision that granted tinnitus or hearing loss. The VA/DoD tinnitus guideline page identifies the 2024 tinnitus guideline as a current clinical resource, but a claim still needs facts specific to the veteran's medical history.
6. A medical nexus theory
A secondary vertigo theory should explain why the diagnosed vestibular condition is caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability. VA's evidence guidance says a secondary claim needs evidence of a new condition and a link to a disability VA has already found service connected. For complex vertigo files, that link is usually a medical opinion that reviews the records, addresses alternative causes, and explains causation or aggravation.
7. The Ear Conditions DBQ
VA's public DBQ list includes an Ear Conditions, Including Vestibular and Infectious Conditions DBQ. The DBQ can organize diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, exam findings, and functional impact. A DBQ is not a substitute for a nexus opinion when service connection is the missing issue, but it can be useful severity evidence.
8. Work and daily-function impact
Describe the practical limitations without exaggeration: missed shifts, reduced driving, avoiding heights, needing breaks after attacks, inability to work around machinery, reduced concentration after medication, nausea recovery time, or family support needed during episodes. If vertigo affects employment reliability, preserve employer notes, attendance records, accommodation discussions, and medical work restrictions.
9. Prior VA decisions and denial reasons
If VA already denied the vertigo claim, identify the denial reason before filing again. Was the gap diagnosis, objective findings, nexus, current severity, or the relationship to tinnitus, TBI, migraines, or hearing loss? A supplemental claim should add new and relevant evidence that answers that specific gap.
Secondary vertigo claims: tinnitus, TBI, migraines, and neck injuries
Many veterans search for vertigo secondary to tinnitus, but the evidence needs to be careful. Tinnitus is often rated at 10%, and dizziness may appear in the same ear-related history, but VA may not accept a simple "tinnitus caused vertigo" statement without a diagnosed vestibular condition and a clinician's reasoning. A stronger theory may discuss acoustic trauma, inner ear injury, Meniere's features, hearing changes, or another medical pathway when the records support it.
TBI and blast exposure files need a similar distinction. If dizziness is already rated as a TBI residual, a separate vertigo rating may be difficult unless the record identifies a distinct peripheral vestibular disorder with separate symptoms and objective findings. Migraine-related vertigo also needs sorting: vestibular symptoms may be part of the migraine rating, or they may reflect a separately diagnosed vestibular disorder. Neck-related dizziness, medication side effects, and blood pressure changes can create additional alternative explanations that a medical opinion should address.
Evidence priority
Do not build the claim around the word "dizzy." Build it around the diagnosis, objective findings, attack pattern, separate functional limits, and a medical explanation for why this condition is service connected or secondary to an already service-connected disability.
When Meniere's changes the rating analysis
Meniere's syndrome under DC 6205 is a different analysis. The rating schedule describes hearing impairment with attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait, with or without tinnitus, at 30%, 60%, or 100% depending on attack frequency. The note under DC 6205 says VA should evaluate Meniere's either under that code or by separately evaluating vertigo, hearing impairment, and tinnitus, whichever method results in the higher overall evaluation, but not combine those separate evaluations with a DC 6205 evaluation.
That means the evidence packet should make the comparison easy. If Meniere's is diagnosed, collect audiology results, ENT records, vertigo attack frequency, gait findings, tinnitus evidence, medication or diet treatment notes, and any records showing how attacks affect work, driving, balance, and daily safety. Use the dedicated VA Meniere's disease rating checklist when the diagnosis, DC 6205 criteria, and separate-versus-single rating method are the main issues.
| If the file says... | Gather this before filing or supplementing |
|---|---|
| BPPV or peripheral vestibular disorder | Positional testing, ENT diagnosis, dizziness/staggering log, objective vestibular findings, DBQ |
| Meniere's or endolymphatic hydrops | ENT diagnosis, audiology, tinnitus evidence, gait findings, attack frequency, treatment plan |
| Vestibular migraine | Migraine log, neurology notes, vertigo timing, medication response, separation from inner-ear disease if applicable |
| Vertigo secondary to tinnitus or hearing loss | Rating decision, audiology/ENT records, acoustic trauma facts, nexus opinion, alternative-cause discussion |
How to build a vertigo episode log
A vertigo log should be factual, not dramatic. Track the details a clinician or examiner can use to understand severity:
- date and start time of each episode,
- duration and recovery time,
- trigger such as head position, noise, migraine, stress, medication change, exertion, or no clear trigger,
- symptoms: spinning, imbalance, nausea, vomiting, ear pressure, hearing change, tinnitus flare, headache, or blurred vision,
- whether you staggered, fell, needed help walking, or had to sit or lie down,
- missed work, unsafe driving, canceled plans, or household tasks you could not complete,
- treatment used and whether it helped, and
- records that confirm the episode, such as urgent care, secure messages, therapy notes, or witness statements.
Bring the log to medical visits. A log buried in your phone may help you remember details, but a pattern documented in treatment notes usually carries more weight because it becomes part of the medical record.
Mistakes that weaken vertigo claims
- Filing symptoms instead of a diagnosis. "Dizziness" is a symptom. VA usually needs the diagnosed condition and objective findings.
- Assuming tinnitus automatically causes vertigo. Tinnitus may be part of the same ear history, but secondary service connection still needs a medical explanation.
- Ignoring Meniere's decision points. If hearing impairment, tinnitus, vertigo attacks, and gait issues appear together, ask whether DC 6205 or separate ratings should be considered.
- Leaving staggering undocumented. For DC 6204, the difference between dizziness and dizziness with occasional staggering can change the rating level.
- Skipping alternative causes. Blood pressure, medication side effects, migraines, neurologic disease, anxiety, and cardiac issues may all create dizziness. A strong opinion addresses relevant alternatives.
- Missing a scheduled C&P exam. VA may schedule an exam to confirm diagnosis, nexus, or severity. If VA schedules one, do not skip it unless a qualified representative gives claim-specific guidance.
How TYFYS helps organize the file
TYFYS helps veterans separate a vertigo file into diagnosis evidence, objective vestibular findings, DC 6204 or DC 6205 rating facts, secondary-service-connection theory, DBQ completeness, lay evidence, and decision-letter gaps. We do not file claims, represent veterans, or provide legal advice. We help coordinate private medical evidence and organize the record so the theory is easier to evaluate.
If tinnitus is already service connected, review the tinnitus gateway claim guide and the anxiety secondary to tinnitus checklist to understand how secondary theories need their own diagnosis and nexus. For causation gaps, use the nexus letter guide. For severity gaps, review what a DBQ does. If the rating may change combined compensation, run the VA rating calculator before you file.
FAQ: VA vertigo rating evidence
What is the VA rating for vertigo?
Many peripheral vestibular disorders are rated under DC 6204 at 10% for occasional dizziness or 30% for dizziness with occasional staggering. Meniere's syndrome uses DC 6205 and may rate at 30%, 60%, or 100% depending on hearing impairment, vertigo attacks, cerebellar gait, and attack frequency.
Can vertigo be secondary to tinnitus?
It can be claimed as secondary when the medical record supports a diagnosed vestibular condition and a clinician explains the link to a service-connected disability. Tinnitus alone does not remove the need for diagnosis, objective findings, nexus reasoning, and an alternative-cause discussion.
What objective evidence helps a VA vertigo claim?
Useful evidence may include ENT or neurology diagnosis, vestibular testing, abnormal balance or gait findings, positional testing, audiology, Ear Conditions DBQ findings, treatment records, fall documentation, and lay statements describing observable dizziness, staggering, and safety limits.
Is a vertigo log enough for VA?
A log helps show frequency, duration, triggers, and functional impact, but it usually works best with medical evidence. Bring the log to appointments so the pattern can be discussed in treatment records and connected to diagnosis, objective findings, and severity.
Should I claim Meniere's instead of vertigo?
Claim the condition your medical records support. If an ENT diagnoses Meniere's, the record should document hearing impairment, vertigo attacks, gait findings, tinnitus, and attack frequency. If the diagnosis is a peripheral vestibular disorder, DC 6204 evidence may be the cleaner path.