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👂 HearingEarDC 6211

Tympanic Membrane Perforation

A hole or tear in the tympanic membrane (eardrum), commonly caused by blast overpressure, direct trauma, or barotrauma during military service. Rated under DC 6211; the associated conductive hearing loss is rated separately under DC 6100. Perforations may heal spontaneously or require surgical repair (tympanoplasty).

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VA Rating Tiers

0%
Meets minimum criteria

Rating Notes

  • ›0%: Tympanic membrane perforation — rated 0% for the perforation itself; hearing loss rated separately under DC 6100.
  • ›DC 6211: Tympanic membrane perforation — rated 0% for the perforation itself.
  • ›The 0% rating still establishes service connection — this is important for secondary conditions.
  • ›The associated HEARING LOSS is rated separately under DC 6100 — this is where the rating value comes from.
  • ›ALWAYS file DC 6100 (Hearing Loss) alongside DC 6211 if any measurable hearing loss is present.
  • ›If the ear has recurring drainage through the perforation, also file DC 6200 (Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media).
  • ›Post-tympanoplasty hearing outcome drives the DC 6100 rating — use the most recent post-surgical audiogram.
  • ›Blast-caused perforation + hearing loss is a strong, well-recognized service connection pathway.

Eligibility Basics

✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
  • •DC 6211 — tympanic membrane perforation; the perforation itself is rated 0%, but the condition establishes service connection.
  • •Associated hearing loss is rated separately under DC 6100 — this is where the rating value comes from.
  • •Blast overpressure is the most direct service connection pathway — document any IED, artillery, or explosion exposure.
  • •Perforations from barotrauma (aviation, parachuting, diving) are also well-recognized service connection pathways.
  • •Document whether the perforation was surgically repaired (tympanoplasty) and the current hearing outcome.
  • •If perforation is chronic and draining, also consider filing Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (DC 6200).

Evidence to Gather

Service Records

  • •records of blast, explosion, or IED exposure during service
  • •sick call or medical records showing eardrum perforation diagnosed during service
  • •records of barotrauma during aviation, parachuting, or diving training
  • •combat casualty records noting ear injury

Medical Evidence

  • •ENT records confirming tympanic membrane perforation
  • •audiogram showing conductive hearing loss
  • •tympanometry — flat or abnormal compliance pattern
  • •operative report if tympanoplasty performed
  • •post-surgical audiogram

Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)

  • •personal statement describing blast or trauma event that caused ear injury
  • •buddy statement confirming blast exposure or witnessed ear injury during service
  • •statement describing ear pain, drainage, or reduced hearing following a service event

Diagnostic Tests

  • •otoscopic exam (direct visualization of perforation)
  • •audiogram with air-bone gap measurement
  • •tympanometry — flat (type B) or absent waveform
  • •CT temporal bones (for associated mastoid or middle ear pathology)

C&P Exam Preparation

Exam type: ENT / Audiology — Ear

Be ready to describe

  • •specific event that caused the perforation — blast details, distance, exposure
  • •symptoms at time of injury — pain, ringing, hearing loss, drainage
  • •whether perforation healed or required surgery
  • •current hearing status in affected ear

Prep notes

  • •Bring any ENT records showing eardrum perforation diagnosis.
  • •Bring the tympanoplasty operative report if surgery was performed.
  • •Bring the most recent audiogram — this drives the DC 6100 hearing loss rating.
  • •File a Hearing Loss claim (DC 6100) — that is where the actual rating percentage comes from.
  • •If ear drains, also file Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (DC 6200).
  • •Describe the blast or trauma event in detail — this is critical for service connection.

Quick Facts

Diagnostic Code
DC 6211
Category
Hearing
Subcategory
Ear
Typical Claim Type
direct
Rating Range
0% – 0%

Also Known As

tympanic membrane perforationeardrum perforationperforated eardrumruptured eardrumhole in eardrumeardrum ruptureblast eartraumatic eardrum perforationeardrum tear

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