VA Ratings Demystified: Understanding How They Pay for Meniere's Disease

If you are a veteran suffering from Meniere's Disease, it is essential to understand how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determines your eligibility and compensation for this condition. The VA uses the Code of Federal Regulations, specifically 38 CFR § 4.87, to evaluate hearing loss and other ear-related conditions.

The VA rates Meniere's Disease under diagnostic code 6205, which falls under the category of ear disorders in the VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). This code covers various conditions related to balance and hearing loss, including Meniere's Disease.

To be eligible for VA compensation, you must have a documented diagnosis of Meniere's Disease. The VA requires evidence of a medical diagnosis from a healthcare provider, such as an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Additionally, you must have a current hearing test showing a significant loss of hearing in both ears.

Once the VA has confirmed your diagnosis and evidence of hearing loss, they will assign a disability rating based on the severity of your condition. The VASRD rates Meniere's Disease under diagnostic code 6205 from 0 to 100%, depending on the frequency and severity of your symptoms. A higher rating indicates a more severe condition, which results in higher compensation.

The VA evaluates Meniere's Disease based on four criteria: vertigo attacks, hearing loss, tinnitus, and speech discrimination. Each category is rated separately, and the overall disability rating takes into account all four criteria.

Vertigo attacks are considered the most debilitating symptom of Meniere's Disease and are rated from mild (10%) to severe (60%). These attacks can range from occasional dizzy spells to frequent episodes that severely impact daily life.

Hearing loss is also a significant factor in determining a veteran's VA rating for Meniere's Disease. The VA uses audiometric testing to measure hearing loss and assigns ratings from 0% (normal hearing) to 100% (total deafness).

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is also common in those with Meniere's Disease and can significantly impact quality of life. The VA rates tinnitus from 10% to 30%, depending on its severity.

Finally, speech discrimination is evaluated by the ability to understand words spoken at different volumes and is rated from 0% to 50%. A lower speech discrimination rating indicates difficulty understanding speech, which can significantly impact daily communication.

It is important to note that VA ratings for Meniere's Disease are not fixed and can be reevaluated if there are changes in symptoms or treatment. If you experience an increase in symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention and notify the VA to receive a possible increase in your disability rating.

In conclusion, understanding how the VA determines ratings for Meniere's Disease is essential for veterans seeking compensation for this condition. By familiarizing yourself with the diagnostic code and criteria used by the VA, you can ensure that you receive fair compensation for your service-connected disability. Remember, if you experience any changes in your symptoms, be sure to seek medical attention and notify the VA for a possible increase in your rating. So, it is crucial to keep track of your symptoms and regularly communicate with the VA to ensure fair compensation. Your health and well-being are essential, and knowing how the VA ratings process works can help alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty that comes with living with a service-connected disability.

🔶 Helpful resources for disabled veterans
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[patrickfitzpatrick]

Hey! Anyone else feel like the VA is screwing them on TBI claims? I got a TBI in service and they say no I didn't. They challenged me on my time periods of service and I guess the VA reps who say I don't do things don't have a clearance, because I did and have witnesses and evidence to infinity and beyond.
Then in my latest claim attempt, the official reason they denied me was,
"no new or relevant information"
What ? So now I have seizures due to the TBI that I aquired overseas, and they say I can't prove I got it over there, I could have had it before I went. Well, nobody did a brain MRI before deployment right? So there's nothing showing I didn't have TBI, they say. I wish I had a brain MRI from before I went into military. Especially that I live in California, the DMV won't let me have a Driver's License because of the seizures, so that takes away a lot of opportunities.

Any Advice??

I do receive for PTSD and helped me with housing so I am grateful.
I just really don't like seeing Vets getting screwed because I think I deserve compensation and am not getting the amount I deserve, and I feel like this should not happen to me or other vets.

[andrewfrechtman]

Hey Combat Craig! Could you please do a video about ulcerative colitis/inflammatory bowel disease?

[willieharvey]

I am service connected for meniere with vertigo The regional office gave me a 0 percent rating. My argument was the minimum percentage is 30. How could they give me 0 percent. I appealed to the BVA for 100 percent

[juleskinkead]

cc i got an overnight fedex to call va cp exam contractor to schedule an appointment for a c and p exam. i called in 5 minutes after i received it and the lady at the contractor put me on hold after i have her my account number from the letter.. she came back on line and said my account was on hold do not schedule a cp exam at this time...

[Battlejurist]

Awesome video. Combat craig thank you for all you do!

[briancomerford]

My private otologist recently diagnosed me with Menieres disease. I am currently rated for 10% left ear tinnitus, 0% left ear perforation, and 0% left ear hearing loss. How should I submit my claim? Not sure of the next steps.

[elinino]

I tried this claim 2nd to tinnitus. I didn't fly. I had Dx from ENT. Hopefully I'll work for other vets

[cweb]

Could I file for service connections if recently diagnosis with meniere syndrome

[robertlee]

If I am 100% p/t and have this issue, should I file?

[robertlight]

The best possible outcome for a veteran claimant, get $2, 500 and see your democrat representative and give it to them as a donation; you’ll be surprised at how fast this cuts through the red tape. Just saying…