VASRD 6200 · Ear Conditions
Chronic Otitis Media VA Disability Rating
Chronic otitis media is a long-standing middle-ear infection or inflammation that causes recurring drainage, ear pain, and, over time, measurable hearing loss. It's rated as a combined condition: the infection itself plus the hearing impairment it causes.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Ongoing ear infection with hearing loss |
How the VA Evaluates Chronic Otitis Media
This code requires evidence of chronic suppurative (draining) infection, mastoiditis, or cholesteatoma, combined with a confirmed hearing impairment - a history of ear infections without documented hearing loss, or hearing loss without a documented chronic infection history, typically won't fully support this specific rating.
Approval outlook
High – common and well-documented ear condition.
Veterans service-connected
~110,000 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~10%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •ENT records documenting a history of chronic or recurring middle-ear infection.
- •An audiology test confirming the resulting hearing impairment - this is required alongside the infection history for this code.
- •Records showing drainage, cholesteatoma, or mastoiditis, if present, since these support the more severe end of the condition.
Strategy Tips
- •Get an audiology test on record alongside your ENT treatment history - this rating specifically requires both the infection history and confirmed hearing impairment.
- •Include ENT evaluations that document the chronic, recurring nature of the infection, not just a single acute episode.
- •Describe how the condition affects your hearing and daily communication or work, which gives context to the audiology findings.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Not including hearing test results - without audiology confirmation, the claim may not be ratable under this specific code even with a clear infection history.
- •Reporting pain or discomfort without an underlying documented infection history, which is what actually anchors the diagnosis.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Missing ongoing ENT follow-up records, which can make a chronic condition look like a resolved, one-time infection.
- •Not documenting how often the condition recurs or how it affects hearing and daily function, since both the recurrence pattern and hearing impact matter for this rating.
Onset Patterns
- •Chronic otitis media typically starts as a series of repeated acute ear infections that don't fully resolve between episodes.
- •It becomes chronic when infections go untreated or under-treated over time, gradually causing more lasting damage to the middle ear structures and hearing.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Chronic Otitis Media. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Chronic Otitis Media
- Is Chronic Otitis Media a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Chronic Otitis Media under VASRD diagnostic code 6200 (Ear Conditions). Chronic otitis media is a long-standing middle-ear infection or inflammation that causes recurring drainage, ear pain, and, over time, measurable hearing loss. It's rated as a combined condition: the infection itself plus the hea…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Chronic Otitis Media?
- Possible VA ratings for Chronic Otitis Media are 10%. Examples: 10%: Ongoing ear infection with hearing loss.
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Chronic Otitis Media?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Chronic Otitis Media at around 10%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 110,000 veterans are service-connected for Chronic Otitis Media. Estimated approval outlook: High – common and well-documented ear condition.
- What evidence helps prove Chronic Otitis Media for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Chronic Otitis Media claim includes: ENT records documenting a history of chronic or recurring middle-ear infection.; An audiology test confirming the resulting hearing impairment - this is required alongside the infection history for this code.; Records showing drainage, cholesteatoma, or mastoi…
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Chronic Otitis Media?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Chronic Otitis Media: Missing ongoing ENT follow-up records, which can make a chronic condition look like a resolved, one-time infection.; Not documenting how often the condition recurs or how it affects hearing and daily function, since both the recurrence pattern and hearing impact ma…
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Chronic Otitis Media?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Chronic Otitis Media include: Tinnitus, Balance Problems. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.87 — Schedule of ratings — diseases of the ear (Diagnostic Code 6200)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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