For many veterans, vertigo is more than just a fleeting sense of dizziness — it’s a debilitating condition that disrupts daily life, limits mobility, and impairs the ability to work. If you’re experiencing vertigo due to your military service or as a secondary condition to another service-connected disability, you may be entitled to compensation through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This comprehensive guide explains how the VA rates vertigo, how veterans and their accredited legal representatives file a successful claim, and how to potentially increase your VA disability benefits.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo isn’t a disease itself; it’s a symptom. It causes a false sensation of movement, making you feel like you or the environment around you is spinning. This disorienting feeling can be short-lived or persist for hours or even days, leading to nausea, imbalance, and fear of falling.
Common Vertigo Symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headaches
- Loss of balance or staggering gait
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Visual disturbances like double vision or nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
Vertigo episodes can range from fleeting to prolonged and are commonly linked to inner ear problems, neurological injuries, or vestibular dysfunction.
Main Causes of Vertigo in Veterans
Veterans are at heightened risk for vertigo due to exposure to loud sounds, blast injuries, or repeated head trauma. The following conditions are among the most common reasons:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Caused by displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear.
- Meniere’s Disease: Involves fluid buildup in the inner ear, causing vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Infections or inflammation of the inner ear nerves.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): TBIs are a common condition among combat veterans, which often results in central vertigo. A study published in Military Medicine reported that post-9/11 service members and veterans with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) were three to four times more likely to report dizziness compared to those without such a history.
- Migraine-associated Vertigo: Vestibular migraines can lead to intense dizziness even without typical migraine pain.
An analysis of data from the Military Health System revealed that vertigo was the most common vestibular diagnosis among working-age adults, with a prevalence of 11.46 per 1,000 individuals.
Vertigo can be treated by vestibular rehabilitation therapy, certain medications, head movements (Epley maneuver), and treating underlying conditions like migraines or ear infections.
VA Disability Ratings for Vertigo
The VA rates vertigo or related conditions under the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR § 4.87). The two primary codes used to assign disability ratings are peripheral vestibular disorders and Ménière’s syndrome.
Diagnostic Code 6204 – Peripheral Vestibular Disorders
Used when vertigo stems from inner ear balance issues without Meniere’s disease.
- 30% Rating – Dizziness with occasional staggering
- 10% Rating – Occasional dizziness
Note: Medical documentation (e.g., physical exams, vestibular tests) must show objective evidence of vestibular disequilibrium to receive a compensable rating.
Diagnostic Code 6205 – Meniere’s Syndrome (Endolymphatic Hydrops)
For veterans diagnosed with Meniere’s disease — a condition involving vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
- 100% Rating – Hearing impairment with vertigo and cerebellar gait more than once per week
- 60% Rating – Hearing impairment with vertigo attacks and cerebellar gait occurring one to four times per month
- 30% Rating – Hearing impairment with vertigo less than once a month
Under most circumstances, you cannot receive ratings under both 6204 and 6205 simultaneously. However, if rating symptoms separately (tinnitus, hearing loss, and vertigo) results in a higher overall percentage, the VA may assign separate ratings.
Proving Service Connection for Vertigo
To qualify for a VA disability rating for vertigo, you must provide proof that the disability symptoms and diagnosis started during active duty. You must establish a direct or secondary service connection, which involves:
- A current diagnosis of vertigo or a related condition.
- An in-service event, such as exposure to loud noise, TBI, or infection.
- A nexus (medical link) connecting your condition to your military service.
For example, a veteran with frequent exposure to aircraft engines may experience chronic ear issues, later developing vertigo, which is a plausible direct connection. Veterans should provide medical records, lay statements, and a Nexus Letter from a qualified physician (nexus letters are never required but can be helpful at times) linking the symptoms to military service can at times support their claim.
Vertigo as a Secondary Condition
Veterans often suffer from conditions that cause or worsen vertigo. In such cases, you may qualify for a secondary service connection, which can increase your overall disability rating. Some of the most common secondary conditions to vertigo are as follows:
- Vertigo Secondary to Migraines: According to the Cleveland Clinic, vestibular migraines are the second most common cause of vertigo. Vestibular migraines often trigger vertigo episodes. If migraines are service-connected, vertigo can be claimed as a secondary condition.
- Vertigo Secondary to Tinnitus: While tinnitus may not directly cause vertigo, both conditions often arise from inner ear damage or Meniere’s disease. A well-written medical nexus letter from a qualified provider can help establish this secondary service connection.
- Vertigo Secondary to TBI: Traumatic brain injuries can result in persistent dizziness and imbalance, making vertigo a common symptom.
- Vertigo Secondary to Neck Injuries or Degenerative Disc Disease: Cervical spine issues can interfere with nerve signals and blood flow to the inner ear or brainstem, potentially leading to dizziness and balance problems.
- Vertigo and Anxiety or Depression: Veterans with chronic vertigo often develop mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression due to lifestyle disruptions. Studies focusing on Gulf War veterans have identified a high prevalence of dizziness and vestibular impairment, often worsened by coexisting mental health conditions such as PTSD and depression.
Many veterans successfully receive increased ratings by linking vertigo as a secondary condition to a primary service-connected disability. Evidence such as peer-reviewed scientific studies, expert medical opinions, and lay statements from family or fellow service members can help validate a secondary claim.
Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) for Vertigo
For some veterans, vertigo is so severe it prevents them from maintaining gainful employment. In such cases, they may qualify for TDIU, which pays at the 100% disability compensation rate even if their schedular rating is below 100%.
TDIU Requirements:
- At least one service-connected disability rated at 60%, or
- Two or more disabilities with one rated at 40% and a combined rating of 70% or higher
- Proof that vertigo and related symptoms prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment
Many veterans with vertigo struggle to drive, focus at work, or maintain consistent attendance due to unpredictable episodes. Medical records and employer statements can be powerful pieces of evidence for a TDIU claim.
Filing a VA Disability Claim
Veterans and their accredited legal professionals seeking to apply for vertigo disability benefits, gather relevant medical records, including diagnosis, treatment documents, and how the condition affects daily activities. Instructions on VA.gov include completing VA Form 21-526EZ for new claims or 21-526b for increased ratings. Submit your claim online, by mail, or at a local VA office, along with all supporting evidence, including a nexus letter. You may need to attend a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam before receiving a decision letter.
How Veterans Can Navigate the VA C&P Exam for Vertigo
The VA may request a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for vertigo to evaluate your eligibility for disability benefits. The C&P examination focuses on three key areas: confirming a diagnosis, establishing a service connection (nexus), and determining the severity of your symptoms based on their frequency, intensity, and duration. Not attending the exam could even lead to a claim denial.
Expect an in-person evaluation where the C&P examiner will:
- Review your medical history, including prior diagnoses, treatments, and relevant records.
- Discuss your symptoms in detail, for instance, when they began, how often they occur, how long episodes last, and any related issues like nausea, imbalance, or tinnitus.
- Perform a physical examination and possibly diagnostic tests (e.g., Romberg, Dix-Hallpike) to assess vestibular function.
- Document your functional limitations by understanding how vertigo affects your daily life and work performance.
The examiner will complete the VA Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for Inner Ear Conditions to support the rating process.
Preparing for Success:
Before your exam, gather all relevant medical records and keep a symptom diary detailing vertigo episodes and triggers. Describe your worst days and prepare a list of how vertigo affects your daily activities. Reviewing the DBQ form can help you understand the questions you’ll be asked.
Be honest, clear, and specific during your exam. The information gathered during your C&P exam directly influences your VA disability rating for vertigo, which is based on how severely your condition impairs your daily functioning and quality of life.
Increasing Your Vertigo VA Rating
Securing a higher VA rating for vertigo requires well-documented, credible, and consistent evidence. Whether you’re filing an initial claim, seeking a rating increase, or appealing a denial, the following considerations may help you create a robust case and maximize your VA disability benefits.
1. Document Your Vertigo Episodes in Detail
Create and maintain a daily symptom diary. This log should capture:
- Frequency – How often episodes occur (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Duration – How long they last (minutes to hours)
- Severity – Rate the intensity of symptoms such as dizziness, staggering, nausea, and vomiting. For example, “Dizziness was a 7/10. Threw up twice. Couldn’t walk straight and fell against the wall.”
- Impact – Describe how each episode disrupts work, driving, or basic tasks. For instance, “Missed my daughter’s school event because I couldn’t safely leave the house. Felt unsteady even with my cane.”
Many Veterans and their accredited legal advocates consider submitting these logs with their claim or appeal along with a personal statement (VA Form 21-4138). This written history will not only help your healthcare providers understand your condition better but will also be valuable evidence for VA evaluators.
2. Include Buddy Statements
Consider asking your spouse, close friends, coworkers, or supervisors to write lay statements that describe how your vertigo impacts your day-to-day life. These can include:
- Observations of you stumbling, falling, or needing assistance
- Missed work or frequent sick days due to vertigo spells
- Emotional changes like anxiety or fear related to dizzy episodes
VA raters often give weight to real-world testimonials that demonstrate how a condition affects functionality.
3. Get Expert Medical Evaluations
Schedule evaluations with medical specialists, particularly ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctors, neurologists, or audiologists. These experts can provide deeper insight into:
- Underlying causes (e.g., Meniere’s disease, vestibular migraines)
- Objective findings such as balance testing results
- How vertigo impairs your ability to function normally
This medical documentation is essential for proving your condition’s severity and establishing a service connection.
4. Submit a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for Vertigo
The VA uses the DBQ for Ear Conditions to evaluate vertigo symptoms. This form includes:
- Frequency and severity of vertigo attacks
- Impact on daily functioning and balance
- Presence of hearing loss or tinnitus
- Objective test results and diagnosis
You can have this DBQ form filled out by your treating physician to submit as part of your VA claim. Filing a completed DBQ ensures the VA receives a structured and detailed report tailored to your claim. This step is not required as the VA will conduct a compensation and pension examination if warranted, which will include the completion of this form
5. Include a Professionally Written Nexus Letter
To support your VA disability claim for vertigo, consider requesting a detailed nexus letter from a qualified medical professional. Licensed private physicians, specialists (ENTs, neurologists, or audiologists), or independent medical experts (IMEs) can write nexus letters for VA claims related to vertigo or ear conditions.
This written medical opinion should clearly:
- Explain how your vertigo is connected to an in-service event or exposure
- Cite relevant medical research or established clinical evidence
- Include a professional opinion stating the link between your vertigo and military service is “at least as likely as not.”
While never required, submitting a well-crafted nexus letter can improve your chances of winning your VA claim in some cases and receiving fair compensation. It is always best to consult with a legal professional for advice on the particulars of your case when making these decisions.
At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, our experienced team of healthcare professionals specializes in providing evidence-backed nexus letters to substantiate veterans’ disability claims.
6. Provide All Relevant Medical Records
For a successful VA claim for vertigo, submit complete medical records, including documented symptoms, triggers, and related conditions like tinnitus or hearing loss. Examples of pertinent documents include the following, but may not be available for each veteran, depending on their history.
- Include ER visits for vertigo-related falls, physical therapy or vestibular rehab records, and medication history for dizziness or nausea.
- Attach diagnostic test results such as Videonystagmography (VNG), Electronystagmography (ENG), MRI, or lab reports ruling out other causes.
- Detailed neurological exams and notes on peripheral or central vertigo diagnoses are also essential to strengthen your claim.
7. Don’t Underreport Your Symptoms
Veterans often minimize their struggles during C&P examinations or in statements. Be honest and thorough. Describe your condition on your worst days, not just when you feel better. The VA needs a complete picture of how vertigo affects your quality of life, especially when it impairs your ability to work or perform basic tasks.
8. Claim Secondary Conditions for a Higher VA Rating
Vertigo often is caused or aggravated by other service-connected conditions. When properly connected and rated, these secondary conditions can increase your combined VA rating or qualify you for TDIU benefits (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability).
If vertigo is secondary to another service-connected condition such as tinnitus, migraine headaches, TBI, hearing loss, or any mental health disorder, a nexus letter can help you win the claim. This written opinion from a qualified medical professional should clearly establish the relationship between your primary service-connected vertigo and secondary condition.
Hence, supporting elements for a VA claim for vertigo may include strong personal statements, medical evidence, and documentation.
Denied Vertigo VA Claim? Appeal Is Possible
Vertigo claims are frequently denied due to a lack of objective evidence or an unclear service connection. If your claim is denied or underrated, don’t give up. Many veterans win their appeals with things like improved medical evidence, stronger nexus letters, or updated DBQs. According to VA.gov, the appeals modernization act outlines appeals through:
- File a Higher-Level Review if you believe the VA made a legal or factual error.
- Submit a Supplemental Claim with new evidence, like a stronger medical opinion.
- Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals if you want a formal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.
Consider working with a VA-accredited attorney, a claims agent, or a veterans service organization (VSO) to guide you through the appeal process.
Case Study: How a Veteran Increased Their VA Rating for Vertigo
A former Army veteran diagnosed with Meniere’s disease was originally rated at 30% for vertigo. Over time, their symptoms worsened, including more frequent dizzy spells and balance issues. Their spouse submitted a lay statement describing occasional falls and difficulty with daily activities. Updated ENT records and a Nexus Letter linked the condition to prolonged exposure to loud artillery during service. With this supporting evidence, the veteran successfully appealed and received an increased rating of 60%, better reflecting their current condition.
Vertigo VA Rating and Compensation
Final Thoughts
Living with vertigo can feel overwhelming, but veterans don’t have to navigate the VA disability system alone. Whether vertigo is a primary condition or secondary to another service-connected issue, documenting symptoms, gathering expert opinions, and submitting strong medical evidence may be key to a successful claim. With the right evidence and preparation, veterans can secure the vertigo VA rating and benefits they rightfully deserve. Stay informed, advocate for yourself, and ensure your disability doesn’t go overlooked by the VA.
FAQs
Can You Get a VA Rating for Dizziness Alone?
Yes, although dizziness by itself is not rated under a unique code, it can qualify under Diagnostic Code 6204 if it presents as part of a vestibular disorder. If dizziness affects your ability to walk or work, you could be rated at 10% or 30%.
What is the average VA rating for vertigo?
The average VA rating for vertigo is 30%, typically assigned for dizziness with occasional staggering under Diagnostic Code 6204.
How does the VA test for vertigo?
The VA tests for vertigo through a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam, which includes a physical evaluation, medical history review, and diagnostic tests like the Romberg or Dix-Hallpike maneuver.
How hard is it to get a disability for vertigo?
It can be challenging to get a disability rating for vertigo without clear medical documentation, a confirmed diagnosis, and a strong service connection or nexus.
Is vertigo secondary to tinnitus?
Yes, vertigo can be claimed as secondary to tinnitus, particularly when both result from inner ear conditions such as Meniere’s disease or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
Can vertigo be secondary to migraines?
Yes, vertigo is commonly secondary to migraines, particularly vestibular migraines, which are a known cause of dizzy episodes in veterans.
Can psychological trauma cause vertigo?
While not a direct cause, psychological trauma can contribute to vertigo through associated conditions like anxiety or PTSD, which may exacerbate symptoms.
Also read: Why Veterans Can Benefit From A Strong Nexus Letter For VA Disability Claims
At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.
Our purpose is to empower YOU, the veteran, to take charge of your medical evidence and provide you with valuable educational tools and research to guide you on your journey.
Understanding the unique challenges veterans face, our commitment lies in delivering exceptional service and support.
Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.
Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting is not a law firm, accredited claims agent, or affiliated with the Veterans Administration or Veterans Services Organizations. However, we are happy to discuss your case with your accredited VA legal professional.
