Claiming Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media / Mastoiditis / Cholesteatoma?
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VA Rating Tiers
10%
active drainage
0%
dry inactive
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›10%: Chronic suppurative otitis media — persistent drainage, recurring infections, or cholesteatoma. DC 6200.
- ›0%: Documented but below compensable threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›DC 6200: Chronic suppurative otitis media / mastoiditis / cholesteatoma.
- ›10%: Active drainage (recurring suppuration).
- ›0%: Dry perforation or inactive disease — still ratable and service-connectable.
- ›ALWAYS file a separate claim for hearing loss (DC 6100) — it is rated independently.
- ›Cholesteatoma and mastoidectomy complications may support additional ratings for residuals.
- ›Tympanic membrane perforation (DC 6211) can be filed separately as well.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •DC 6200 — rated based on activity of suppuration (drainage), complications, and mastoid involvement.
- •Hearing loss caused by chronic otitis media is rated separately under DC 6100.
- •In-service ear infections, perforated eardrums, or combat-related ear injuries are strong service connection evidence.
- •Cholesteatoma is a serious complication that may require surgery — document it explicitly.
- •A nexus letter from an ENT specialist is helpful if direct service documentation is limited.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •sick call records showing ear infections, drainage, or perforated eardrum during service
- •audiology records from service
- •records of ear injury from blast, explosion, or water exposure during service
Medical Evidence
- •ENT records diagnosing chronic suppurative otitis media
- •audiogram showing conductive or mixed hearing loss
- •CT scan of temporal bones if mastoiditis or cholesteatoma suspected
- •surgical records if mastoidectomy or tympanoplasty performed
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •personal statement describing recurring ear drainage since service
- •statement describing ear injury or chronic infections that began during service
- •buddy statement confirming ear problems during service
Diagnostic Tests
- •otoscopic exam showing drainage and perforation
- •audiogram
- •CT scan of temporal bones
- •culture of ear discharge
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: ENT / Audiology — Ear
Be ready to describe
- •when ear drainage or infection first started and connection to service
- •frequency and character of drainage (clear, pus, bloody)
- •any ear surgeries performed
- •associated hearing loss in the affected ear
Prep notes
- •Bring all ENT records, surgical reports, and audiograms.
- •If you have had a mastoidectomy, bring the operative report.
- •Note which ear is affected (right, left, or both).
- •File a separate claim for Hearing Loss (DC 6100) if you have hearing loss in the same ear.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 6200
- Category
- Hearing
- Subcategory
- Ear
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 10%
Also Known As
chronic suppurative otitis mediadraining earCSOMchronic ear infectionmastoiditischolesteatomachronic middle ear infectionear drainageperforated eardrum with infectionotitis media with discharge
Related Conditions
Commonly leads to
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