Cerebrospinal Meningitis Residuals

DC 8019Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8019

Lasting neurological effects from an episode of cerebrospinal meningitis (infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord). The VA rates this condition based on the residual neurological deficits such as hearing loss, cognitive impairment, seizures, or cranial nerve damage.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 8019

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8019. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

Your meningitis residuals are so severe that you cannot work or care for yourself. This may include total deafness, severe brain damage, intractable seizures, or complete dependence on others.

What the VA looks for

Severe brain damage with total cognitive impairment
Intractable seizures uncontrolled by medication
Bilateral profound deafness
Complete dependence on others for all activities of daily living
Institutional or nursing-level care required

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing for each residual separately — meningitis can cause hearing loss, seizures, cognitive impairment, hydrocephalus, and cranial nerve damage, each potentially rated under its own diagnostic code.
⚠Not connecting the meningitis to military service — meningitis outbreaks are common in military barracks and training environments due to close-quarters living, and documented outbreaks strongly support service connection.
⚠Not getting a comprehensive audiological evaluation — hearing loss is one of the most common meningitis residuals and is easily documented with standard audiometric testing.
⚠Not documenting cognitive changes with neuropsychological testing — subjective complaints of memory problems need objective testing to establish the severity for VA rating purposes.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Central Nervous System and Neuromuscular Diseases
DBQ Infectious Diseases

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Cerebrospinal Meningitis Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8019

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your meningitis residuals are so severe that you cannot work or care for yourself. This may include total deafness, severe brain damage, intractable seizures, or complete dependence on others.

What the VA looks for

Severe brain damage with total cognitive impairment
Intractable seizures uncontrolled by medication
Bilateral profound deafness
Complete dependence on others for all activities of daily living
Institutional or nursing-level care required

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing for each residual separately — meningitis can cause hearing loss, seizures, cognitive impairment, hydrocephalus, and cranial nerve damage, each potentially rated under its own diagnostic code.

⚠Not connecting the meningitis to military service — meningitis outbreaks are common in military barracks and training environments due to close-quarters living, and documented outbreaks strongly support service connection.

⚠Not getting a comprehensive audiological evaluation — hearing loss is one of the most common meningitis residuals and is easily documented with standard audiometric testing.

⚠Not documenting cognitive changes with neuropsychological testing — subjective complaints of memory problems need objective testing to establish the severity for VA rating purposes.