Chronic Otitis Externa

DC 6210Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.87, DC 6210

A long-lasting infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal that causes itching, swelling, discharge, and pain. The VA rates chronic otitis externa based on the severity of symptoms and the need for treatment. The maximum rating is 10%.

Rating Levels

You have swelling, dry and scaly or watery discharge, and itching in the ear canal that requires frequent and prolonged treatment. This is the maximum rating for this condition.

What the VA looks for

Swelling of ear canal on examination
Dry and scaly or serous discharge documented
Itching symptoms reported and documented
Frequent and prolonged treatment required
Prescription ear drops or antibiotic treatment records

Common Pitfalls

⚠The maximum rating for otitis externa alone is 10% — but if you also have hearing loss, tinnitus, or other ear conditions, file for those separately to get a higher combined rating.
⚠Not documenting the ongoing need for treatment — the 10% rating requires "frequent and prolonged treatment," so keep records of every prescription and doctor visit for your ear.
⚠Not connecting chronic otitis externa to military service, such as swimming requirements, exposure to water during training, or use of ear protection that trapped moisture.
⚠Not documenting how chronic ear infections affect your daily life — pain, difficulty sleeping on the affected side, problems wearing hearing aids, or missed work days.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions like hearing loss or tympanic membrane perforation that can develop from repeated ear canal infections.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Ear Conditions (including Tinnitus)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Rating Levels

You have swelling, dry and scaly or watery discharge, and itching in the ear canal that requires frequent and prolonged treatment. This is the maximum rating for this condition.

What the VA looks for

Swelling of ear canal on examination
Dry and scaly or serous discharge documented
Itching symptoms reported and documented
Frequent and prolonged treatment required
Prescription ear drops or antibiotic treatment records

Common Pitfalls

⚠The maximum rating for otitis externa alone is 10% — but if you also have hearing loss, tinnitus, or other ear conditions, file for those separately to get a higher combined rating.

⚠Not documenting the ongoing need for treatment — the 10% rating requires "frequent and prolonged treatment," so keep records of every prescription and doctor visit for your ear.

⚠Not connecting chronic otitis externa to military service, such as swimming requirements, exposure to water during training, or use of ear protection that trapped moisture.

⚠Not documenting how chronic ear infections affect your daily life — pain, difficulty sleeping on the affected side, problems wearing hearing aids, or missed work days.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions like hearing loss or tympanic membrane perforation that can develop from repeated ear canal infections.