Peripheral Vestibular Disorders (Vertigo/BPPV)
Dizziness and balance problems. Often secondary to tinnitus or TBI.
VA rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Dizziness and occasional staggering |
| 10% | Occasional dizziness |
Often claimed secondary to
If you're already service-connected for any of these, Peripheral Vestibular Disorders (Vertigo/BPPV) is often a viable secondary claim.
Tinnitus
Subjective ringing/buzzing in the ears. Capped at 10% (both ears combined). Lay statement alone is sufficient — no formal diagnosis required.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Rated across 10 facets of cognitive impairment. Highest single facet drives the rating.
Ménière's Disease
Triad of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Higher ratings for frequent attacks.
Filing this claim
For most veterans this is filed as a secondary claim. You need a nexus letter linking it to a service-connected primary condition. Use the letter generators to draft your nexus letter and Statement in Support of Claim.
Step by step
- File an Intent to File (Form 21-0966) to lock your effective date.
- Confirm you have a current medical diagnosis in a medical record.
- Get a nexus letter — magic phrase: "at least as likely as not."
- Write a Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138).
- If applicable, gather buddy statements (21-10210).
- File the formal 21-526EZ.
Source: 38 CFR §4.87. For exact regulatory language, consult eCFR Title 38. This is general education — for your specific case, consult a VA-accredited representative.