Chronic suppurative otitis media, mastoiditis, or cholesteatoma (or any combination)

The VA rates Chronic suppurative otitis media, mastoiditis, or cholesteatoma (or any combination) under Diagnostic Code 6200 at 10%. The minimum 10% rating requires: During suppuration, or with aural polyps. The maximum 10% rating requires: During suppuration, or with aural polyps.

The VA rates Chronic suppurative otitis media, mastoiditis, or cholesteatoma (or any combination) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6200, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.87. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

Chronic suppurative otitis media, mastoiditis, or cholesteatoma (or any combination) maxes at 10%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.

The key evidence for Chronic suppurative otitis media, mastoiditis, or cholesteatoma (or any combination) is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.

The C&P examiner uses a Auditory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6200 rating criteria. The examiner documents symptom frequency, severity, and functional impact. Bring all treatment records and describe your worst days, not your best — the VA rates on the full clinical picture across time, not a snapshot of one good day.