Chronic suppurative otitis media, mastoiditis, or cholesteatoma (or any combination) — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 6200)

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

Diagnostic Code 6200 is the VA rating identifier for Chronic suppurative otitis media, mastoiditis, or cholesteatoma (or any combination) within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.87. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

The highest schedular rating for Chronic suppurative otitis media, mastoiditis, or cholesteatoma (or any combination) under DC 6200 is 10%. This tier requires: During suppuration, or with aural polyps. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Chronic suppurative otitis media, mastoiditis, or cholesteatoma (or any combination) alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Chronic suppurative otitis media, mastoiditis, or cholesteatoma (or any combination) is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.87, Diagnostic Code 6200. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Chronic suppurative otitis media, mastoiditis, or cholesteatoma (or any combination) may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

Service connection for Chronic suppurative otitis media, mastoiditis, or cholesteatoma (or any combination) requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.