Diagnostic Code 6204: Peripheral Vestibular Disorders (Vertigo) Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.87
- Rating range
- 10% to 30%
- Rating levels
- 2
- Body system
- Hearing loss and ear conditions
The VA rates Peripheral Vestibular Disorders (Vertigo) under diagnostic code 6204 in 38 CFR § 4.87. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 6204 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Occasional dizziness What raters look foroccasional dizziness |
| 30% | Dizziness and occasional staggering What raters look fordizziness; occasional staggering |
DC 6204 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 630 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 6204 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 56.0%, denied 35.6% and sent 8.4% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 6204 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Vertigo. The Vertigo condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Vertigo appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 6,005 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Vertigo, 2021 to 2026. The Vertigo condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Vertigo appeals generally rather than DC 6204 specifically. The DC 6204 section above counts this code's own rating appeals. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 6204?
Diagnostic code 6204 is the VA rating schedule entry for Peripheral Vestibular Disorders (Vertigo), found in 38 CFR § 4.87. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 6204?
DC 6204 provides ratings of 10%, 30%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 6204 require?
The 30% rating for Peripheral Vestibular Disorders (Vertigo) requires: Dizziness and occasional staggering.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 6204?
In 626 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 6204 from 2021 to 2026, 55.8% were granted, 35.8% denied and 8.5% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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