VASRD 6201 · Ear, Nose, Throat
Otitis media VA Disability Rating
This is one of several VASRD codes covering chronic middle-ear infection, distinguished here by whether the condition is currently active with symptoms or has healed with no lasting effects. If your VA rating decision cites this specific code rather than a related one, this binary current-versus-healed distinction is what determines your rating.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Chronic suppurative otitis media with symptoms |
| 0% | Healed with no residuals |
How the VA Evaluates Otitis media
The rating is a simple two-tier distinction: chronic suppurative otitis media with active symptoms supports the compensable 10% tier, while a healed condition with no residual effects rates at the noncompensable 0% tier.
Approval outlook
High
Veterans service-connected
~4,800 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
- •An ENT specialist's diagnosis confirming the chronic condition.
- •Audiograms, useful if hearing has also been affected.
- •Treatment records documenting the infection history over time.
Strategy Tips
- •Show a long-term history of the condition, since establishing chronicity, not just a single infection, matters for this diagnosis.
- •Include the frequency of flare-ups in your evidence, since ongoing activity is what separates the compensable tier from a resolved condition.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Overlooking infection history in the record, which can make a chronic condition look like an isolated event.
- •No ENT referral, leaving the diagnosis without specialist confirmation.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •No ENT specialist note in the file.
- •Missing documentation showing the condition is chronic rather than a single resolved infection.
Onset Patterns
- •This condition typically develops from repeated ear infections, and can also be related to barotrauma (pressure injury) from activities like diving or flying.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Otitis media. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Otitis media
- Is Otitis media a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Otitis media under VASRD diagnostic code 6201 (Ear, Nose, Throat). This is one of several VASRD codes covering chronic middle-ear infection, distinguished here by whether the condition is currently active with symptoms or has healed with no lasting effects. If your VA rating decision cites this speci…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Otitis media?
- Possible VA ratings for Otitis media are 10%, 0%. Examples: 10%: Chronic suppurative otitis media with symptoms; 0%: Healed with no residuals.
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Otitis media?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Otitis media at around 10%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 4,800 veterans are service-connected for Otitis media. Estimated approval outlook: High.
- What evidence helps prove Otitis media for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Otitis media claim includes: An ENT specialist's diagnosis confirming the chronic condition.; Audiograms, useful if hearing has also been affected.; Treatment records documenting the infection history over time..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Otitis media?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Otitis media: No ENT specialist note in the file.; Missing documentation showing the condition is chronic rather than a single resolved infection..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Otitis media?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Otitis media include: Tinnitus, Hearing loss, 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 6201)
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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