38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR §§ 4.85–4.87
Meniere S Syndrome
dc-6205-meniere-s-syndrome
Auditory / ENT
Diagnostic code
6205
Why your DC matters: DC 6205 is the exact code the VA uses to rate this condition. It determines which symptoms unlock which percentage, what evidence the rater looks for, and which secondaries are most likely to be approved.
Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4):
Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)
Diagnostic code 6205 — Meniere S Syndrome — is listed under 38 CFR §§ 4.85–4.87 in 38 CFR Part 4. The paragraphs below summarize how this code is used; the official schedule text controls exact percentages, formulas, and notes.
Schedule summary (educational, not a substitute for the regulation): Educational index row from the rating schedule naming convention; confirm exact diagnostic code, effective date, and criteria in the current eCFR Part 4.
Exact rating criteria: Open Part 4 in the eCFR (link under “Official source” below). Locate your diagnostic code number (6205) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “6205”. Copy the verbatim rating table, including any parenthetical notes, exceptions, and cross-references, for the version of Part 4 that applies to your effective date.
Effective dates & which schedule version applies
Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).
For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.
The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.
Notes for your claim
Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 6205 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.
C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.
If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.
This site does not provide legal advice.
Official source
38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 6205 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
DC 6205 reaches 100% on attack frequency alone — vertigo + hearing loss + cerebellar gait more than once weekly = 100% without any other findings. The catch is the schedule explicitly forbids combining DC 6205 with separate ratings for hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo — it's rated as a single composite OR the underlying components are rated separately, whichever is higher. The play is running the math both ways and filing under whichever yields the bigger combined rating. For most veterans with confirmed Ménière's + attacks, DC 6205 wins.
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | Hearing impairment with attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait occurring more than once weekly, with or without tinnitus. | Attack diary showing > 4 vertigo attacks/month with documented cerebellar gait; audiogram confirming hearing impairment; ENT/neurology workup confirming Ménière's. |
| 60% | Hearing impairment with attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait occurring 1-4 times per month, with or without tinnitus. | Attack diary showing 1-4 attacks/month + hearing impairment + cerebellar gait during attacks. |
| 30% | Hearing impairment with vertigo less than once a month, with or without tinnitus. | Attack diary showing < 1 attack/month + audiogram confirming hearing impairment. |
What Qualifies Under DC 6205?
Confirmed Ménière's syndrome (endolymphatic hydrops)
ENT or neurology diagnosis. Classic triad: episodic vertigo + fluctuating hearing loss + tinnitus. Excludes BPPV, vestibular migraine, and pure peripheral vestibular disorders.
Attack frequency drives tier
DC 6205 schedule:
- • 30% — Hearing impairment + vertigo less than once/month
- • 60% — Hearing impairment + vertigo 1-4 times/month + cerebellar gait
- • 100% — Hearing impairment + vertigo more than once/week + cerebellar gait
Language Your Rater Needs to See
These are the exact (or near-exact) regulatory phrases that unlock specific tiers. If your DBQ or C&P report doesn't use this vocabulary, the rater may default to a lower percentage even when symptoms qualify.
“Attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait occurring more than once weekly”
100% gate. More than 4 attacks per month AND documented cerebellar gait during attacks. The 'cerebellar gait' phrasing is specific — it means staggering, broad-based, ataxic gait, not just dizziness.
“1 to 4 times per month”
60% gate. Attack diary covering 6-12 months is the cleanest proof. Examiner can't credit attack frequency they can't see in a log.
“Hearing impairment + vertigo (with or without tinnitus)”
Both hearing loss AND vertigo are required at every tier. A pure-vertigo presentation without hearing loss doesn't fit DC 6205 — that's peripheral vestibular (DC 6204).
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
ENT or neurology diagnosis of Ménière's
CRITICALConfirms the diagnosis vs. vestibular migraine, BPPV, or peripheral vestibular disorder. Required for DC 6205 specifically.
Audiogram showing hearing impairment
CRITICALPure-tone audiometry + speech discrimination. DC 6205 requires hearing impairment — without it, the code doesn't apply.
Vertigo attack diary (6-12 months)
CRITICALDate + duration + functional impact + cerebellar gait notation. Drives every tier (< 1/month, 1-4/month, > 1/week).
Caloric / VNG / ENG testing
IMPORTANTDocuments vestibular hypofunction. Supports the Ménière's diagnosis objectively.
Tinnitus documentation
SUPPORTINGIf present, supports the classic Ménière's triad. Note: tinnitus does NOT rate separately when DC 6205 is in effect.
Treatment regimen (diuretics, betahistine, intratympanic gentamicin)
SUPPORTINGDocuments severity and refractoriness to first-line therapy.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring the attack diary printed
Hand the examiner a clear log of vertigo attack dates, durations, and cerebellar-gait episodes. This is the single most important piece of evidence.
Describe gait during attacks specifically
'I have to hold the wall, my gait becomes wide-based and staggering' = cerebellar gait. Use that language.
Bring the audiogram
Hearing impairment is a tier prerequisite. Don't assume the examiner has it.
Don't say 'I just get dizzy sometimes'
Vague dizziness rates much lower (DC 6204 peripheral vestibular). Be specific about true vertigo (spinning sensation), duration (minutes to hours), and gait disturbance.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Filing separately for tinnitus and hearing loss while DC 6205 is in effect
Schedule note explicitly bars separate ratings for hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo when DC 6205 is assigned. Run the math both ways — whichever combo is higher wins, but you can't double-dip.
Settling for DC 6204 (peripheral vestibular) when Ménière's is the diagnosis
DC 6204 caps at 30%. DC 6205 reaches 100%. If you have the classic triad (vertigo + hearing loss + tinnitus), push for the Ménière's diagnosis.
Not maintaining an attack diary
Without a multi-month attack log, examiners default to the lowest credible tier. A diary is the single highest-leverage piece of evidence.
Missing the secondary mental health rating
Recurrent unpredictable vertigo drives well-documented anxiety and depression. File MDD/GAD as secondary.
Tactical Plays
⚡ Run the math both ways — DC 6205 vs. separate ratings
DC 6205 prohibits combining with separate ratings for hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo. Compute: (a) DC 6205 alone (which can reach 100%); (b) DC 6100 hearing loss + DC 6260 tinnitus + DC 6204 vertigo combined. File under whichever combo is higher. For most veterans with confirmed Ménière's + attacks, DC 6205 wins.
⚡ Build a 6-12 month vertigo attack diary BEFORE filing
Attack frequency drives every tier. Without a diary, examiners default to the lowest credible attack count. A clean diary covering 6+ months is the single most valuable piece of evidence.
⚡ Stack MH secondary — unpredictable vertigo drives anxiety
Recurrent severe vertigo attacks cause well-documented anxiety and depression. File secondary MDD or GAD on top of the DC 6205 rating.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
Anxiety / depression from recurrent vertigo
STRONGDC 9434 / 9400
Unpredictable vertigo attacks cause significant anxiety; secondary MH ratings are well-supported.
Hearing loss (separately, if DC 6205 not used)
MODERATEDC 6100
Only if running the math without DC 6205 yields higher combined rating. The schedule forbids combining them with DC 6205.
Tinnitus (separately, if DC 6205 not used)
MODERATEDC 6260
Same caveat — only if rated outside DC 6205.
Migraines (vestibular migraine overlap)
SITUATIONALDC 8100
Vestibular migraine can overlap with Ménière's; rate separately if independently diagnosed.
Compensation Scenarios
2026 rates (effective Dec 1, 2025, per va.gov)
30% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$552.47
TOTAL
$552.47/mo
Hearing impairment + vertigo less than once/month.
60% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$1,435.02
TOTAL
$1,435.02/mo
Hearing impairment + vertigo 1-4 times/month with cerebellar gait.
100% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$3,938.58
TOTAL
$3,938.58/mo
Hearing impairment + vertigo more than once/week with cerebellar gait.
100% Ménière's + 70% MH secondary
Base rating
$3,938.58
TOTAL
$3,938.58/mo
100% schedular caps the rate, but the 70% MH adds to combined rating and may trigger SMC-S consideration.
Note: Amounts are approximations rounded to nearest dollar. Actual comp varies with effective date, dependents (spouse, children, parents — each adds), Aid & Attendance, and additional disabilities. Combined ratings use VA Math (§ 4.25), not simple addition.
Key Definitions
🚶What's 'Cerebellar Gait'?
Wide-based, staggering, ataxic gait — the result of cerebellar dysfunction during an attack. NOT just feeling dizzy. The examiner should observe or document this during/after attacks. Required for 60% and 100% tiers.
🚫Why can't I rate hearing loss + tinnitus separately?
Schedule note for DC 6205 explicitly bars combining the code with separate ratings for hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo. The Ménière's code is meant to encompass the full syndrome. Run both calculations and file under whichever yields the higher combined rating.
↔️Difference between DC 6204 and DC 6205?
DC 6204 = peripheral vestibular disorder (caps at 30%). DC 6205 = Ménière's syndrome (reaches 100%). DC 6205 requires the classic triad — vertigo + hearing impairment. Without hearing impairment, the code defaults to 6204.
How to File Your Claim
Get ENT or neurology to confirm Ménière's diagnosis
Distinguishes from BPPV, vestibular migraine, peripheral vestibular disorder.
Build a 6-12 month vertigo attack diary
Date + duration + cerebellar gait notation. The single most important evidence.
Pull current audiogram
Hearing impairment is a prerequisite at every DC 6205 tier.
File 21-526EZ specifying 'Ménière's syndrome (DC 6205)'
Run math both ways: DC 6205 alone vs. separate hearing/tinnitus/vertigo. File under the higher combo.
Stack MH secondary (anxiety/MDD from unpredictable vertigo)
Well-supported secondary lane.
Typical Claim Timeline
File initial claim
Day 0–7: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ with all medical evidence on file
VA acknowledges claim
Week 1–2: Receive confirmation letter and claim tracking number
C&P examination scheduled
Month 1–3: VA contracts an exam vendor and sends you appointment notice
Attend C&P exam
Bring your full evidence package; describe symptoms on your worst days, not your best
Decision & rating notice
Month 3–6: Decision letter with rating percentage and effective date
First payment & retro back pay
Within 15 days of decision; retroactive to claim date (or effective date if earlier)
Timeline varies by case complexity and VA regional office workload. Some claims resolve faster; others take longer.
Important Considerations
DC 6205 forbids combining with hearing loss / tinnitus / vertigo ratings
Run the math both ways — DC 6205 alone vs. separate ratings. File under the higher combo.
Attack diary is the single most important evidence
Frequency drives every tier. 6-12 months of dated entries with cerebellar-gait notation.
Cerebellar gait must be documented for 60% / 100%
Not just dizziness — wide-based ataxic gait. Use that exact language at the exam.
MH secondary is well-supported
Unpredictable vertigo drives anxiety and depression. File secondary MDD or GAD.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rate Ménière's at 100% on attack frequency alone?
Yes — vertigo + hearing impairment + cerebellar gait occurring more than once weekly is 100% under DC 6205. No other findings required.
Why can't I also rate my tinnitus separately?
DC 6205's schedule note explicitly forbids combining with separate ratings for hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo. The Ménière's code is meant to encompass the syndrome. If separate ratings (DC 6100 + 6260 + 6204) would combine higher than DC 6205 alone, file that way instead — but you can't double-dip.
What's the difference between DC 6204 and DC 6205?
DC 6204 = peripheral vestibular disorder (caps at 30%, vertigo without hearing loss). DC 6205 = Ménière's syndrome — the classic triad of vertigo + hearing impairment + tinnitus. DC 6205 reaches 100% on attack frequency alone.
Do I need ENT or neurology to confirm the diagnosis?
Yes — DC 6205 requires Ménière's specifically. ENT or neurology workup distinguishes Ménière's from BPPV (positional), vestibular migraine, or pure peripheral vestibular disorder. Get the diagnosis on paper before filing.
Official Regulatory Source
Ménière's syndrome is rated under 38 CFR § 4.87, DC 6205. The schedule explicitly forbids combining with separate hearing loss / tinnitus / vertigo ratings.
38 CFR § 4.87 — Ear (eCFR) →Scroll to DC 6205. Read the schedule note for the combining prohibition.
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 6205, compare your current symptoms and documentation against the criteria above. Consider:
- Requesting a copy of your rating decision and C&P exam report from the VA
- Gathering all relevant medical records (VA and private providers)
- Documenting functional limitations and how they impact work and daily activities
- Obtaining a nexus letter if needed to establish or strengthen service connection
- Filing for secondary conditions that may be related to this primary condition
- Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file
This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.
Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.
Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 6205 • va.gov
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.