What are the VA rating percentages for Vertigo (Peripheral Vestibular Disorder)?

Vertigo (Peripheral Vestibular Disorder) (DC 6204) is rated at 10%, 30% under 38 CFR § 4.87, DC 6204. Occasional dizziness.

What rates 10% for Vertigo (Peripheral Vestibular Disorder) under 38 CFR § 4.87, DC 6204?

Under 38 CFR § 4.87, DC 6204 (DC 6204), a 10% rating for Vertigo (Peripheral Vestibular Disorder) requires: Occasional dizziness.

What rates 30% for Vertigo (Peripheral Vestibular Disorder) under 38 CFR § 4.87, DC 6204?

Under 38 CFR § 4.87, DC 6204 (DC 6204), a 30% rating for Vertigo (Peripheral Vestibular Disorder) requires: Dizziness and occasional staggering.

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Vertigo (Peripheral Vestibular Disorder)

Q: What evidence do I need for a Vertigo (Peripheral Vestibular Disorder) VA claim?

Key evidence for a Vertigo (Peripheral Vestibular Disorder) claim includes: Audiogram from a state-licensed audiologist with puretone thresholds at 1000/2000/3000/4000 Hz; Maryland CNC controlled speech-discrimination scores for each ear; Audiologist notes flagging any exceptional pattern of hearing impairment per 38 CFR 4.86; A dated log of vertigo or dizziness episodes (vestibular disorders / Meniere's); ENT records confirming the ear diagnosis and any tinnitus. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 620438 C.F.R. § 4.87

Diagnostic Code

DC 6204

38 C.F.R. § 4.87

Rating Range

10–30%

2 severity tiers

Source

Verified

38 C.F.R. § 4.87

Vertigo (Peripheral Vestibular Disorder) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6204 of 38 CFR § 4.87, DC 6204 across 2 severity tiers (10% / 30%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Sensation of spinning or dizziness due to inner ear or vestibular nerve dysfunction. VA rates peripheral vestibular disorders under DC 6204 (38 CFR 4.87), assigning 10 percent for occasional dizziness and 30 percent for dizziness with occasional staggering; objective findings of vestibular disequilibrium are required. Often service-connected secondary to a TBI or head trauma.

Rating Criteria

10%

Occasional dizziness.

30%

Dizziness and occasional staggering.

Key Evidence

—Audiogram from a state-licensed audiologist with puretone thresholds at 1000/2000/3000/4000 Hz

—Maryland CNC controlled speech-discrimination scores for each ear

—Audiologist notes flagging any exceptional pattern of hearing impairment per 38 CFR 4.86

—A dated log of vertigo or dizziness episodes (vestibular disorders / Meniere's)

—ENT records confirming the ear diagnosis and any tinnitus

—Statements describing the real-world impact on communication and balance

C&P Exam Tips

1Hearing loss is rated from puretone audiometry plus the Maryland CNC speech-discrimination test (38 CFR 4.85) - both are required, and the exam must be done by a state-licensed audiologist without hearing aids.

2The puretone threshold average uses 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hertz - make sure all four frequencies are tested in each ear.

3If you have an exceptional pattern of hearing loss (very high thresholds, or a steep drop at higher frequencies), 38 CFR 4.86 can raise your designation - ask the audiologist to note it.

4Tinnitus is rated at a single 10% under DC 6260 regardless of one ear or both - report it, but know the schedule caps it.

5For vestibular conditions, the rating turns on dizziness and staggering (38 CFR 4.87); for Meniere's, it turns on the frequency of vertigo attacks - keep a dated log of episodes.

6Report how hearing loss or dizziness affects conversation, work, and safety, and bring statements from people who notice your difficulty.

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Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.87 (Ear). Source verified 2026-06-16 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.

View § 4.87 on eCFR →Cornell Law mirror →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
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