---
title: "DC 6200 - Chronic suppurative otitis media, mastoiditis, or cholesteatoma (or any combination):"
diagnostic_code: "6200"
body_system: "Impairment of Auditory Acuity"
cfr_section: "§ 4.87"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/hearing/6200-chronic-suppurative-otitis-media-mastoiditis-or"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.87"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:22:40.370392Z"
---

# DC 6200 - Chronic suppurative otitis media, mastoiditis, or cholesteatoma (or any combination):

Rated under § 4.87. Body system: Impairment of Auditory Acuity.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 10% | During suppuration, or with aural polyps |

## Notes

- Note: Evaluate hearing impairment, and complications such as labyrinthitis, tinnitus, facial nerve paralysis, or bone loss of skull, separately.

# Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media, Mastoiditis, or Cholesteatoma (VA Diagnostic Code 6200)

*Body system: Impairment of Auditory Acuity — 38 CFR § 4.87*

## Understanding the Condition

Diagnostic Code 6200 covers **chronic suppurative otitis media, mastoiditis, or cholesteatoma** — or any combination of these conditions. These are chronic ear conditions affecting the middle ear and surrounding structures.

## Available Rating Level

Under Diagnostic Code 6200, the VA provides the following rating:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **10%** | During suppuration, or with aural polyps |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating this condition, the VA considers whether there is **active suppuration** (discharge) or the presence of **aural polyps**, which supports the 10% rating.

## Related Conditions Rated Separately

Per VA guidance, certain associated conditions are **evaluated separately** rather than folded into this rating. According to the note for this diagnostic code:

> Evaluate hearing impairment, and complications such as labyrinthitis, tinnitus, facial nerve paralysis, or bone loss of skull, separately.

This means that if you experience hearing loss or other listed complications alongside this condition, those may be assessed on their own.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 6200. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.87