DC 6205Auditory System38 CFR § 4.87Last verified: APR 22, 2026

Meniere's syndrome (endolymphatic hydrops)

The VA rates Meniere's syndrome (endolymphatic hydrops) under Diagnostic Code 6205 across 3 severity levels, from 30% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.

Also available: View rating schedule for DC 6205

Rating schedule — DC 6205 at a glance

Minimum rating
30%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
100%

Full schedular disability

Rating tiers
3

30%, 60%, 100%

CFR section
§ 4.87

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Auditory System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Meniere's syndrome (endolymphatic hydrops)?

RatingCriteria
30%

Hearing impairment with vertigo less than once a month, with or without tinnitus

60%

Hearing impairment with attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait occurring from one to four times a month, with or without tinnitus

100%

Hearing impairment with attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait occurring more than once weekly, with or without tinnitus

Hearing impairment with attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait occurring from one to four times a month, with or without tinnitus

Common Questions About Meniere's syndrome (endolymphatic hydrops) VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Meniere's syndrome (endolymphatic hydrops)?

The VA rates Meniere's syndrome (endolymphatic hydrops) under Diagnostic Code 6205 at 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 30% rating requires: Hearing impairment with vertigo less than once a month, with or without tinnitus. The maximum 100% rating requires: Hearing impairment with attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait occurring more than once weekly, with or without tinnitus.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Meniere's syndrome (endolymphatic hydrops)?

The VA rates Meniere's syndrome (endolymphatic hydrops) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6205, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.87. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

What is the difference between a 30% and a 100% rating for Meniere's syndrome (endolymphatic hydrops)?

A 30% rating requires: Hearing impairment with vertigo less than once a month, with or without tinnitus. A 100% rating requires: Hearing impairment with attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait occurring more than once weekly, with or without tinnitus. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.

Can Meniere's syndrome (endolymphatic hydrops) qualify for TDIU?

Yes — a 100% rating for Meniere's syndrome (endolymphatic hydrops) alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.

What evidence supports a higher rating for Meniere's syndrome (endolymphatic hydrops)?

The key evidence for Meniere's syndrome (endolymphatic hydrops) is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.

What happens at the C&P exam for Meniere's syndrome (endolymphatic hydrops)?

The C&P examiner uses a Auditory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6205 rating criteria. The examiner documents symptom frequency, severity, and functional impact. Bring all treatment records and describe your worst days, not your best — the VA rates on the full clinical picture across time, not a snapshot of one good day.

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