Diagnostic Code 8019 · 38 CFR §4.124a
Cerebrospinal meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meninges), typically caused by bacteria like Neisseria meningitidis. Military personnel are at higher risk due to close-quarters living in barracks and on ships, where the bacteria can spread rapidly through respiratory droplets. While the military now routinely vaccinates against meningitis, veterans who served before widespread vaccination or who contracted it despite vaccination may have experienced this infection during service. Even after the acute infection is treated, meningitis can leave lasting neurological damage including hearing loss, cognitive problems, and seizures.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | |
| 60% | |
| 30% | |
| 10% |
Hospital records from the acute meningitis episode including cerebrospinal fluid results, Service records documenting the infection occurred during military service, Audiogram showing any hearing loss, Neuropsychological testing for cognitive deficits, Brain MRI showing any residual changes, Current neurological examination documenting all residual symptoms