Meniere's Disease (Endolymphatic Hydrops)

DC 6205Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.87, DC 6205

An inner ear disorder that causes episodes of vertigo (spinning dizziness), hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. The VA rates Meniere's disease based on the frequency and severity of attacks.

Rating Levels

Your Meniere's disease causes hearing impairment with attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait occurring more than once per week, with or without tinnitus, that is so severe you cannot function independently.

What the VA looks for

Vertigo attacks more than once per week
Inability to function independently
Severe hearing impairment
Falls or near-falls from vertigo
Unable to drive or work due to episodes

Common Pitfalls

⚠The VA allows you to rate Meniere's disease either as a single condition OR by rating each symptom separately (hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo) — whichever gives the higher combined rating. Ask about both options.
⚠Not keeping a vertigo attack diary with dates, duration, and severity — the rating depends on attack frequency.
⚠Not documenting falls, near-falls, or inability to drive during episodes — these support the functional impact of the condition.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions like depression or anxiety caused by the unpredictable nature of vertigo attacks.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Ear Conditions (including Tinnitus)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Vertigo attacks more than once per week
Inability to function independently
Severe hearing impairment
Falls or near-falls from vertigo
Unable to drive or work due to episodes

Common Pitfalls

⚠The VA allows you to rate Meniere's disease either as a single condition OR by rating each symptom separately (hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo) — whichever gives the higher combined rating. Ask about both options.

⚠Not keeping a vertigo attack diary with dates, duration, and severity — the rating depends on attack frequency.

⚠Not documenting falls, near-falls, or inability to drive during episodes — these support the functional impact of the condition.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions like depression or anxiety caused by the unpredictable nature of vertigo attacks.