An infection causing inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which may cause fever and headache.
During the active phase, medical records showing fever, hospitalization, laboratory confirmation of meningitis, and treatment records are the core evidence. For residuals, the evidence needed depends on which conditions remain after recovery. If cognitive problems persist — such as difficulty with memory, attention, concentration, judgment, or communication — neuropsychological test results showing objective impairment and records describing how that impairment affects your work and daily life are relevant. If nerve involvement remains, examination findings documenting the extent of sensory or motor loss matter. If seizures develop as a residual, records of seizure frequency and type are key. Statements from you and people who know you describing how symptoms interfere with work, relationships, and daily tasks can help document functional impact at each level of severity.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
