VASRD 6200 · Ear Conditions

Chronic Otitis Media VA Disability Rating

A long-term middle ear infection causing drainage, hearing loss, and discomfort.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
10%Ongoing ear infection with hearing loss

How the VA Evaluates Chronic Otitis Media

Ongoing symptoms like drainage, pain, and confirmed hearing loss.

Approval rate

High – common and well-documented ear condition.

Annual service-connected

110,000 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •ENT records showing chronic infection
  • •Audiology test confirming hearing loss

Strategy Tips

  • •Submit hearing tests and infection history
  • •Include ENT evaluations
  • •Describe impact on hearing and work

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Not including hearing test results
  • •Claiming pain only without infection history

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Lack of ENT follow-up records
  • •No documentation of recurrence or impact

Onset Patterns

  • •Often starts as repeated ear infections
  • •Becomes chronic when untreated

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Chronic Otitis Media. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Tinnitus

    Chronic infection may irritate the inner ear

  • Balance Problems

    Middle ear issues can affect stability

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). A long-term middle ear infection causing drainage, hearing loss, and discomfort.
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?
The average awarded rating for Chronic Otitis Media is 10%. Roughly 110,000 veterans are service-connected for Chronic Otitis Media each year. Typical approval likelihood: 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 showing chronic infection; Audiology test confirming hearing loss.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Chronic Otitis Media?
Common pitfalls when filing for Chronic Otitis Media: Lack of ENT follow-up records; No documentation of recurrence or impact.
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.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Chronic Otitis Media combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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