Chronic nonsuppurative otitis media with effusion (DC 6201)

Body system: EarRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.87DBQ: DBQ ENT Ear (Including Vestibular and Infectious)

Chronic nonsuppurative otitis media with effusion (serous otitis media) is long-term fluid buildup behind the eardrum without active infection. DC 6201 itself has no rating percentage, the VA rates only the resulting hearing loss. The actual percentage comes from DC 6100 (Hearing impairment), calculated via 38 CFR § 4.85 puretone audiometry tables (VI, VIa, VII) plus the Maryland CNC speech-discrimination test. If audiometry is normal, the rating is 0%.

Rating levels

  • -1% — DC 6201 covers chronic nonsuppurative otitis media with effusion (also called serous otitis media), a long-term buildup of fluid behind the eardrum without active infection. DC 6201 itself is noncompensable, the VA only rates the resulting hearing loss. The hearing rating is calculated under 38 CFR § 4.85 using puretone audiometry and the Maryland CNC speech-discrimination test, applied through Tables VI, VIa, and VII, and the final percentage is assigned under DC 6100 (Hearing impairment). If audiometry shows hearing within normal limits, the rating is 0%.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.