VASRD 6203 · Organs of Special Sense
Otitis Media (Chronic) VA Disability Rating
Long-term infection or inflammation of the middle ear.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | With suppuration or aural polyps |
| 0% | Without active symptoms |
How the VA Evaluates Otitis Media (Chronic)
The rating distinguishes between chronic otitis media with active suppuration (drainage) or aural polyps, which supports the compensable tier, and the condition without active symptoms, which rates at the noncompensable 0% level.
Approval outlook
68%
Veterans service-connected
~9,300 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 diagnosis confirming the chronic condition.
- •Audiology records, useful for ruling in or out any associated hearing loss.
- •Ear imaging documenting the condition's extent.
Strategy Tips
- •Track infections and any drainage over time, since whether active symptoms are present is the specific factor that determines whether this rates as compensable.
- •Include ENT reports documenting the chronic, recurring nature of the condition.
- •Connect the condition to deployment environments when relevant, such as cold, damp conditions that can contribute to chronic ear issues.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •No proof of chronicity - a single acute infection can look different from a genuinely long-term condition without a documented history.
- •An ear infection that gets misdiagnosed rather than clearly identified as chronic otitis media.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Failing to show the duration and recurring nature of the condition.
- •No ENT confirmation of the diagnosis in the record.
Onset Patterns
- •Chronic otitis media can develop from cold, damp environmental conditions during service, from untreated acute ear infections, or alongside chronic allergic rhinitis.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Otitis Media (Chronic). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Hearing loss
Tinnitus
Ear infections
Common questions about Otitis Media (Chronic)
- Is Otitis Media (Chronic) a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Otitis Media (Chronic) under VASRD diagnostic code 6203 (Organs of Special Sense). Long-term infection or inflammation of the middle ear.
- What VA disability rating can I get for Otitis Media (Chronic)?
- Possible VA ratings for Otitis Media (Chronic) are 10%, 0%. Examples: 10%: With suppuration or aural polyps; 0%: Without active symptoms.
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Otitis Media (Chronic)?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Otitis Media (Chronic) at around 10%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 9,300 veterans are service-connected for Otitis Media (Chronic). Estimated approval outlook: 68%.
- What evidence helps prove Otitis Media (Chronic) for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Otitis Media (Chronic) claim includes: An ENT diagnosis confirming the chronic condition.; Audiology records, useful for ruling in or out any associated hearing loss.; Ear imaging documenting the condition's extent..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Otitis Media (Chronic)?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Otitis Media (Chronic): Failing to show the duration and recurring nature of the condition.; No ENT confirmation of the diagnosis in the record..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Otitis Media (Chronic)?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Otitis Media (Chronic) include: Hearing loss, Tinnitus, Ear infections. 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 6203)
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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