Claiming Chronic Otitis Externa?
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VA Rating Tiers
10%
chronic or severe
0%
mild
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›10%: Chronic otitis externa — persistent external ear canal inflammation requiring recurring treatment. DC 6210.
- ›0%: Documented but below compensable threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›DC 6210: Chronic otitis externa.
- ›10%: Chronic/recurring with objective findings — discharge, edema, requiring aural cleaning and otic drops.
- ›0%: Mild or well-controlled — document and service-connect for future flares.
- ›Hearing loss caused by canal obstruction or associated damage is rated separately under DC 6100.
- ›Malignant (necrotizing) otitis externa involving bone destruction may support a higher rating — document with ENT records and CT findings.
- ›Secondary service connection may apply if secondary to service-connected eczema or dermatitis.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •DC 6210 — chronic otitis externa; rated based on severity of drainage, pain, and chronicity.
- •Service connection pathways: prolonged water exposure (swimming, marine operations), tropical/humid deployment environments, chemical or noise-related ear canal injury.
- •Secondary service connection: may be secondary to service-connected eczema/dermatitis or allergic rhinitis.
- •Chronic condition defined as recurring or persistent requiring ongoing treatment.
- •If hearing loss accompanies chronic otitis externa, file DC 6100 separately.
- •Malignant (necrotizing) otitis externa is a severe form involving bone destruction — document if applicable.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •sick call records documenting external ear infections or ear canal inflammation during service
- •records of prolonged water exposure or humid/tropical deployments
- •dermatology or ENT records from service showing ear canal conditions
Medical Evidence
- •ENT or dermatology records confirming chronic otitis externa
- •audiogram if associated hearing loss present
- •culture results from ear canal discharge
- •records of recurring treatment with otic drops or aural cleaning
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •personal statement describing recurring ear canal pain, discharge, or itching since service
- •statement describing water exposure activities during service (dive operations, swimming, tropical climate)
- •buddy statement confirming ear problems during deployment
Diagnostic Tests
- •otoscopic exam — ear canal erythema, edema, discharge, or debris
- •culture and sensitivity of ear canal discharge
- •audiogram (if hearing loss suspected)
- •CT of temporal bones (if necrotizing otitis externa suspected)
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: ENT / Audiology — External Ear
Be ready to describe
- •how often ear canal episodes occur and how long they last
- •symptoms — pain, discharge, itching, swelling
- •treatments required and whether condition is ever fully resolved
- •connection to service water exposure or deployment environment
Prep notes
- •Bring all ENT records documenting recurring otitis externa episodes.
- •Bring any culture results or audiograms performed.
- •Describe the chronic, recurring nature — emphasize it is not resolved between episodes.
- •File a separate Hearing Loss claim (DC 6100) if you have measurable hearing loss.
- •If secondary to eczema or dermatitis, bring those records too and note the secondary relationship.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 6210
- Category
- Hearing
- Subcategory
- Ear
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 10%
Also Known As
chronic otitis externaswimmer's ear chronicexternal ear canal infectionchronic external ear infectionexternal otitisdiffuse otitis externamalignant otitis externanecrotizing otitis externaear canal eczemachronic ear canal inflammation
Related Conditions
Secondary to
Commonly leads to
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