Reference: 38 CFR 4.87, DC 6211

What is the VA rating for Perforated Eardrum?

Based on perforation of the eardrum.

Condition Overview & Clinical Scope

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VA evaluates perforation of the tympanic membrane (eardrum) under the ear rating schedule, Diagnostic Code 6211.

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Common Questions & FAQs

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Overview

About this condition

VA evaluates perforation of the tympanic membrane (eardrum) under the ear rating schedule, Diagnostic Code 6211.

Regulatory authority: 38 CFR 4.87, DC 6211

This guide provides regulatory reference criteria under 38 CFR Part 4. RatingScope does not provide medical diagnoses, infer undocumented findings, estimate an outcome, or replace medical care. DC 6211 provides only a 0% schedular evaluation.

Percentage Guides

Understanding Your Percentage

Select a pathway to see what the published criteria ask about, what records may clarify it, and what should not be assumed.

0%

Highest listed pathway

Perforation of the tympanic membrane (eardrum) is evaluated at 0% under DC 6211.

What separates the next level: There are no adjacent evaluation levels within this specific diagnostic code. DC 6211 is a 0%-only code.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence

Official CFR language: 6211 Tympanic membrane, perforation of 0
What the published criteria say: DC 6211 contains a single 0% schedular evaluation and no higher percentage tiers.
Medical evidence: Ear Conditions (Including Vestibular and Infectious Conditions) DBQ; Medical records documenting the perforation
Common misconceptions: DC 6211 itself contains only a 0% schedular evaluation.
Source context: 38 CFR 4.87; 6211; Current schedule.

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Understand the details behind the criteria

Use these short guides to connect published terms with the records and observations that may clarify them.

Perforated eardrum has a single published schedular rating

The published rating schedule provides only one schedular evaluation for perforation of the tympanic membrane. There is no graduated scale based on severity or complications.

The evaluation is based on the documented presence of the perforation itself.
Complications such as hearing loss, infections, or vertigo that result from or coexist with the perforation are evaluated separately under their own diagnostic codes.
Active drainage or infection may be evaluated under other ear diagnostic codes rather than under this code alone.

Records to review: Audiological examination confirming perforation; ENT treatment records documenting the perforation and any complications; Otoscopic examination findings.

Evidence

Evidence that may clarify the published criteria

VA forms and DBQs (from VA.gov)

Downloadable DBQs & Supporting Claim Forms

The public DBQ shows the kinds of findings an examiner may record. A veteran may review it, or may share it with a private clinician, before a C&P exam. RatingScope does not tell any person what to submit.

Terminology

Plain-English terms

Common Questions

Questions veterans commonly ask

What separates the 0% rating from adjacent levels?

There are no adjacent evaluation levels within this specific diagnostic code. DC 6211 is a 0%-only code.

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Secondary conditions

Conditions commonly connected to Perforated Eardrum

No commonly documented secondary connections are tracked for Perforated Eardrum yet.

Educational Guides & Evidence Resources

In-depth analysis of DBQ forms, medical evidence thresholds, and rating schedules for Perforated Eardrum.

How VA Rates Hearing Loss: DC 6100 Puretone Thresholds and Speech Discrimination Guide

Learn how the VA evaluates hearing impairment under 38 CFR 4.85 (DC 6100) using puretone audiometry thresholds, CNC speech discrimination, and Table VII.

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VA Math & Combined Ratings

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Evidence Center

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