Claiming Chronic Nonsuppurative Otitis Media with Effusion (Serous Otitis Media)?
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VA Rating Tiers
10%
chronic persistent
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›10%: Chronic nonsuppurative otitis media with effusion — persistent fluid with documented functional impact. DC 6201.
- ›0%: Documented but below compensable threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›DC 6201: Chronic nonsuppurative otitis media with effusion.
- ›Typically rated at 0% for the effusion itself unless chronic and symptomatic.
- ›The conductive hearing loss it causes is rated separately under DC 6100 — this is where most of the rating value comes from.
- ›File both DC 6201 (middle ear condition) and DC 6100 (hearing loss) for full coverage.
- ›Eustachian tube dysfunction from service barotrauma is a well-recognized direct service connection pathway.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •DC 6201 — chronic nonsuppurative otitis media with effusion.
- •Associated conductive hearing loss is rated separately under DC 6100.
- •Eustachian tube dysfunction from barotrauma (pressure changes in aircraft, diving, parachuting) is a common service connection pathway.
- •Chronic upper respiratory conditions (rhinitis, sinusitis) can secondarily cause middle ear effusion.
- •Document any history of barotrauma or pressure-related ear injury during service.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •sick call records showing ear problems, pressure, or muffled hearing during service
- •records of barotrauma or pressure change-related ear injury (aviation, diving, parachuting)
- •records of chronic upper respiratory conditions during service
Medical Evidence
- •ENT records documenting middle ear effusion or Eustachian tube dysfunction
- •audiogram showing conductive hearing loss
- •tympanometry showing reduced or flat middle ear compliance (flat tympanogram)
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •personal statement describing ear fullness or pressure that began during service
- •statement describing muffled hearing associated with service activities
Diagnostic Tests
- •tympanometry (middle ear pressure test)
- •audiogram
- •otoscopic exam
- •ENT evaluation
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: ENT / Audiology — Middle Ear
Be ready to describe
- •when ear fullness or muffled hearing began
- •connection to service activities (aviation, diving, parachuting, or chronic sinus problems)
- •frequency of episodes and whether resolved or chronic
- •associated hearing loss and impact on communication
Prep notes
- •Bring ENT records and any tympanometry or audiogram results.
- •If you had PE tubes placed, bring those records.
- •Describe ear fullness and muffled hearing — emphasize chronic or recurring pattern.
- •File a separate Hearing Loss claim (DC 6100) if you have measurable hearing loss.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 6201
- Category
- Hearing
- Subcategory
- Ear
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 10%
Also Known As
serous otitis mediaglue earotitis media with effusionOMEchronic nonsuppurative otitis mediafluid behind eardrummiddle ear effusionmiddle ear fluidsecretory otitis media
Related Conditions
Commonly leads to
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