Claiming Otosclerosis?
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VA Rating Tiers
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›0%: Otosclerosis — rated on hearing loss under DC 6100; the underlying condition itself rates 0%.
- ›DC 6202: Otosclerosis — rated on hearing loss under DC 6100.
- ›File both DC 6202 (for the underlying condition) and DC 6100 (for the hearing loss).
- ›Post-stapedectomy hearing outcome drives the DC 6100 rating — use the most current audiogram.
- ›Mixed hearing loss (cochlear involvement) may result in a higher DC 6100 rating.
- ›Use manual slider for DC 6202; the actual compensable rating comes from the associated DC 6100 hearing loss evaluation.
- ›Tinnitus (DC 6260) is commonly associated — file separately if present.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •DC 6202 — otosclerosis; the primary compensable disability is hearing loss, rated under DC 6100.
- •Service connection pathway: noise exposure during service can accelerate or worsen underlying otosclerosis.
- •If otosclerosis was first diagnosed during service, direct service connection may apply.
- •Post-surgical hearing outcome (stapedectomy) affects hearing loss rating — document current audiogram.
- •A nexus letter from an ENT specialist or audiologist linking noise exposure to progression is helpful.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •audiograms from service showing progressive conductive hearing loss
- •sick call records noting hearing problems during service
- •records of ENT evaluation during service
Medical Evidence
- •ENT records confirming otosclerosis diagnosis
- •audiogram showing conductive or mixed hearing loss with air-bone gap
- •stapedectomy or stapedotomy operative reports (if surgery performed)
- •post-surgical audiogram
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •personal statement describing progressive hearing loss that worsened during service
- •statement describing difficulty hearing in military occupational settings
Diagnostic Tests
- •audiogram with air-bone gap measurement
- •tympanometry — typically normal or stiffness pattern (As tympanogram)
- •CT scan of temporal bones (shows otosclerotic foci)
- •ENT evaluation
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Audiology / ENT — Otosclerosis
Be ready to describe
- •when hearing loss first began and whether it has progressed
- •connection to service noise exposure
- •stapedectomy history and whether hearing improved after surgery
- •current hearing ability and daily functional impact
Prep notes
- •Bring your most recent audiogram and any pre- and post-surgical audiograms.
- •Bring the stapedectomy operative report if surgery was performed.
- •Bring ENT records confirming the otosclerosis diagnosis.
- •Also file separately for Hearing Loss (DC 6100) — that is where the rating value comes from.
- •Describe difficulty in noisy environments and how hearing loss affects daily life.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 6202
- Category
- Hearing
- Subcategory
- Ear
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 0%
Also Known As
otosclerosisstapes fixationotospongiosisstapes ankylosisprogressive conductive hearing losshereditary hearing loss fixation
Related Conditions
Commonly leads to
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