A long-lasting middle ear infection with drainage that can damage hearing and cause muffled hearing or hearing loss.
To support a 10% rating, evidence needs to show that your ear is actively suppurating or that aural polyps are present. Medical records documenting episodes of ear drainage, discharge cultures, or clinical notes describing active infection are directly relevant. A VA or private examination that finds ongoing suppuration or visible polyps at the time of the exam also supports this level.
For the separately rated complications, different evidence applies to each one. Records showing measured hearing loss support a hearing impairment rating. Documented diagnosis of labyrinthitis, tinnitus, facial nerve paralysis, or skull bone loss, along with clinical findings or imaging such as CT scans, would support ratings for those conditions. Statements from you or people who know you describing how drainage, polyps, or related symptoms affect your daily life and work can also help show the severity and continuity of your condition.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
