VASRD 6211 · Organs of Special Sense
Loss of auricle (ear) VA Disability Rating
Partial or complete loss of the external ear (auricle).
VA Rating Tiers
How the VA Evaluates Loss of auricle (ear)
The rating distinguishes between loss of one ear at the lower tier and loss of both ears at the higher tier, confirmed through surgical records, photographs, and ENT documentation.
Approval outlook
Low to Moderate
Veterans service-connected
~300 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~30%
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
- •An ENT report documenting the extent of the loss.
- •VA exam photos.
- •Reconstructive surgery records, if applicable.
Strategy Tips
- •Document both the cosmetic and functional impact, since hearing changes often accompany auricle loss and are worth addressing alongside the visible change.
- •Use before-and-after photos when possible, since visual evidence is central to confirming and rating this condition.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Incomplete visual documentation of the ear's condition.
- •No mention of any accompanying functional (hearing) loss.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Not submitting photo evidence.
- •Missing a hearing test that would provide additional supporting context.
Onset Patterns
- •Auricle loss typically results from traumatic injury or surgery related to cancer treatment.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Loss of auricle (ear). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Hearing loss
Disfigurement
Psychosocial effects
Common questions about Loss of auricle (ear)
- Is Loss of auricle (ear) a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Loss of auricle (ear) under VASRD diagnostic code 6211 (Organs of Special Sense). Partial or complete loss of the external ear (auricle).
- What VA disability rating can I get for Loss of auricle (ear)?
- Possible VA ratings for Loss of auricle (ear) are 50%, 30%. Examples: 50%: Both ears; 30%: One ear.
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Loss of auricle (ear)?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Loss of auricle (ear) at around 30%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 300 veterans are service-connected for Loss of auricle (ear). Estimated approval outlook: Low to Moderate.
- What evidence helps prove Loss of auricle (ear) for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Loss of auricle (ear) claim includes: An ENT report documenting the extent of the loss.; VA exam photos.; Reconstructive surgery records, if applicable..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Loss of auricle (ear)?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Loss of auricle (ear): Not submitting photo evidence.; Missing a hearing test that would provide additional supporting context..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Loss of auricle (ear)?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Loss of auricle (ear) include: Hearing loss, Disfigurement, Psychosocial effects. 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 6211)
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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