VASRD 6210 · Ear, Nose, Throat
Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis VA Disability Rating
This code covers chronic middle-ear infection specifically when it involves the mastoid bone (mastoiditis) as well, and it's distinguished from other otitis media codes by rating the higher tier based on how often you need surgery or drainage procedures, not just whether drainage is present. If your rating decision cites this code, your surgical and procedure history is the key evidence.
VA Rating Tiers
How the VA Evaluates Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis
The rating distinguishes between chronic suppuration with ear discharge at the lower tier and frequent surgery or drainage procedures at the higher tier, confirmed through ENT records documenting drainage history and any surgical interventions.
Approval outlook
High
Veterans service-connected
~1,800 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 treatment history documenting the chronic infection and mastoid involvement.
- •Surgical reports from any drainage or mastoid procedures.
- •Audiology tests, useful context even though hearing loss isn't the primary criterion here.
Strategy Tips
- •Track discharge frequency in detail, since chronic suppuration is the baseline finding this code requires.
- •Use your surgical history as key evidence, since needing repeated surgery or drainage procedures is specifically what supports the higher rating tier under this code.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Misattributing symptoms to a simple, uncomplicated ear infection rather than documenting the chronic, mastoid-involving nature of the condition.
- •Missing imaging that would confirm mastoid involvement.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •No diagnosis from an ENT specialist.
- •Lack of surgical documentation, which is directly relevant to the higher rating tier.
Onset Patterns
- •This condition commonly follows ear trauma or a pattern of recurring infections that eventually involved the mastoid bone.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis
- Is Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis under VASRD diagnostic code 6210 (Ear, Nose, Throat). This code covers chronic middle-ear infection specifically when it involves the mastoid bone (mastoiditis) as well, and it's distinguished from other otitis media codes by rating the higher tier based on how often…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis?
- Possible VA ratings for Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis are 30%, 10%. Examples: 30%: Frequent surgery or drainage; 10%: Chronic suppuration, ear discharge.
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis at around 10%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 1,800 veterans are service-connected for Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis. Estimated approval outlook: High.
- What evidence helps prove Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis claim includes: ENT treatment history documenting the chronic infection and mastoid involvement.; Surgical reports from any drainage or mastoid procedures.; Audiology tests, useful context even though hearing loss isn't the primary criterion here..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis: No diagnosis from an ENT specialist.; Lack of surgical documentation, which is directly relevant to the higher rating tier..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis include: Hearing loss, Tinnitus, Balance issues. 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 6210)
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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