Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome

DC 6205Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.87, DC 6205

A condition where a thin or missing bone over the superior semicircular canal in the inner ear causes vertigo, hearing problems, and hypersensitivity to sound. Blast exposure and head trauma during military service can cause or worsen this condition.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 6205

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.87, DC 6205. 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 superior canal dehiscence causes near-constant vestibular dysfunction with severe hearing loss. You are unable to function independently.

What the VA looks for

Near-constant vestibular dysfunction
Severe hearing loss documented
Bilateral involvement or post-surgical complications
Unable to function independently
Total occupational disability

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a high-resolution CT of the temporal bone — standard CT scans may miss the thin bone defect. A 0.5mm-slice CT is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
⚠Not documenting Tullio phenomenon (vertigo triggered by loud sounds) — this is a hallmark symptom that strongly supports the diagnosis and should be described in detail.
⚠Not getting VEMP (vestibular evoked myogenic potential) testing — this is the key objective test for SCDS and provides evidence that the examiner and VA can rely on.
⚠Not connecting SCDS to military blast exposure or head trauma — while some cases are congenital, blast exposure can cause or unmask the bone defect, making service connection possible.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Ear Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6205

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your superior canal dehiscence causes near-constant vestibular dysfunction with severe hearing loss. You are unable to function independently.

What the VA looks for

Near-constant vestibular dysfunction
Severe hearing loss documented
Bilateral involvement or post-surgical complications
Unable to function independently
Total occupational disability

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a high-resolution CT of the temporal bone — standard CT scans may miss the thin bone defect. A 0.5mm-slice CT is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

⚠Not documenting Tullio phenomenon (vertigo triggered by loud sounds) — this is a hallmark symptom that strongly supports the diagnosis and should be described in detail.

⚠Not getting VEMP (vestibular evoked myogenic potential) testing — this is the key objective test for SCDS and provides evidence that the examiner and VA can rely on.

⚠Not connecting SCDS to military blast exposure or head trauma — while some cases are congenital, blast exposure can cause or unmask the bone defect, making service connection possible.