VASRD 6205 · Ear, Nose, and Throat

Chronic Otitis Media VA Disability Rating

Persistent middle ear infection that may cause hearing loss or drainage.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
10%Ongoing ear drainage
0%No drainage but may still cause discomfort

How the VA Evaluates Chronic Otitis Media

ENT diagnosis, history of ear infections, physical findings of drainage.

Approval rate

High (~65%) with documented ENT visits.

Annual service-connected

7,200 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •ENT exam with otoscopic findings
  • •History of recurring ear infections
  • •Audiogram if hearing affected

Strategy Tips

  • •Include ENT notes documenting drainage
  • •List number of infections per year

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Failure to note active suppuration
  • •Missing continuity of care

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Submitting without ENT records
  • •Lack of clear diagnosis

Onset Patterns

  • •Often begins after untreated acute ear infections

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Hearing Loss

    Damage to ear structures

  • Tinnitus

    Often co-occurs with chronic infections

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 6205 (Ear, Nose, and Throat). Persistent middle ear infection that may cause hearing loss or drainage.
What VA disability rating can I get for Chronic Otitis Media?
Possible VA ratings for Chronic Otitis Media are 10%, 0%. Examples: 10% — Ongoing ear drainage; 0% — No drainage but may still cause discomfort.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Chronic Otitis Media?
The average awarded rating for Chronic Otitis Media is 10%. Roughly 7,200 veterans are service-connected for Chronic Otitis Media each year. Typical approval likelihood: High (~65%) with documented ENT visits..
What evidence helps prove Chronic Otitis Media for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Chronic Otitis Media claim includes: ENT exam with otoscopic findings; History of recurring ear infections; Audiogram if hearing affected.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Chronic Otitis Media?
Common pitfalls when filing for Chronic Otitis Media: Submitting without ENT records; Lack of clear diagnosis.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Chronic Otitis Media?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Chronic Otitis Media include: Hearing Loss, Tinnitus. 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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