Aural Polyps

DC 6201Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.87, DC 6201

Growths in the ear canal or middle ear, usually resulting from chronic ear infections or cholesteatoma. They can cause hearing loss, ear drainage, and recurrent infections. The VA assigns a fixed 10% rating for aural polyps.

How the VA rates this condition

This condition has a fixed rating under VA regulations. Unlike most conditions, the rating does not vary based on severity. If the VA grants service connection, the rating percentage is set by regulation.

Diagnostic code

DC 6201

Rating range

10% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.87, DC 6201. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have aural polyps (growths in the ear canal or middle ear). This is the only and maximum rating specifically for aural polyps. Additional hearing loss or other residuals are rated separately.

What the VA looks for

Aural polyps documented on otoscopic exam
ENT specialist diagnosis
History of chronic ear infections
Surgical removal records if applicable

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not rating hearing loss separately — aural polyps often cause or accompany hearing loss, which should be rated independently under DC 6100 for a potentially higher combined rating.
⚠Not documenting recurrence after removal — polyps frequently recur, and ongoing treatment records strengthen your claim and support service connection.
⚠Not connecting polyps to chronic otitis media or cholesteatoma from military service — the underlying ear disease is usually the service-connected condition that caused the polyps.
⚠Not filing for tinnitus as a secondary condition — chronic ear disease that causes polyps frequently also causes tinnitus, rated at 10% under DC 6260.

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…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6201

Rating range

10% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have aural polyps (growths in the ear canal or middle ear). This is the only and maximum rating specifically for aural polyps. Additional hearing loss or other residuals are rated separately.

What the VA looks for

Aural polyps documented on otoscopic exam
ENT specialist diagnosis
History of chronic ear infections
Surgical removal records if applicable

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not rating hearing loss separately — aural polyps often cause or accompany hearing loss, which should be rated independently under DC 6100 for a potentially higher combined rating.

⚠Not documenting recurrence after removal — polyps frequently recur, and ongoing treatment records strengthen your claim and support service connection.

⚠Not connecting polyps to chronic otitis media or cholesteatoma from military service — the underlying ear disease is usually the service-connected condition that caused the polyps.

⚠Not filing for tinnitus as a secondary condition — chronic ear disease that causes polyps frequently also causes tinnitus, rated at 10% under DC 6260.