Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

DC 6200Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.87, DC 6200

Inability of the eustachian tubes to properly equalize pressure in the middle ear, causing ear fullness, muffled hearing, ear pain, and dizziness. Common from blast exposure, altitude changes, and sinus conditions in military service.

Rating Levels

You have chronic suppuration from eustachian tube dysfunction with frequently recurring symptoms, or you have developed secondary conductive hearing loss.

What the VA looks for

Chronic suppuration with frequently recurring symptoms
Secondary conductive hearing loss documented on audiogram
Multiple episodes of infection and drainage documented
Significant impact on hearing and daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting the condition to blast exposure or altitude changes during military service.
⚠Being told the symptoms are just allergies — insist on proper ENT evaluation and tympanometry testing.
⚠Not documenting episodes of ear fullness and hearing changes in medical records.
⚠Not claiming secondary hearing loss or tinnitus that develops from eustachian tube dysfunction.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Ear Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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