Tympanic Membrane Perforation

DC 6211Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.87, DC 6211

A hole or tear in the eardrum (tympanic membrane) that can cause hearing loss, ear drainage, and increased risk of ear infections. The VA rates this condition based on whether the perforation has healed and whether there are ongoing symptoms like drainage. Hearing loss is rated separately.

Rating Levels

Your eardrum has an unhealed perforation or you have active ear drainage from the perforation. This is the maximum rating for perforation alone. Any hearing loss is rated separately under DC 6100.

What the VA looks for

Unhealed tympanic membrane perforation on examination
Active ear drainage documented
Otoscopic examination showing perforation
Treatment records for ongoing ear drainage

Common Pitfalls

⚠The maximum rating for eardrum perforation alone is only 10% — but hearing loss must be claimed separately under DC 6100, which can add a much higher rating based on audiometric testing.
⚠Not documenting all episodes of ear drainage, including dates, duration, and treatment — this is what separates a 0% from a 10% rating.
⚠Not connecting the perforation to military noise exposure, blast injuries, barotrauma (pressure changes from diving or flying), or ear infections during service.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions like chronic ear infections, tinnitus, or balance problems caused by the perforation.
⚠Not getting an updated audiogram — even if the perforation has healed, you may still have hearing loss that qualifies for a separate rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Ear Conditions (including Tinnitus)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…