★ Auditory
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction VA Rating
38 CFR § 4.87 (analogous, often under DC 6299-6201)
Overview
ETD causes ear fullness, popping, autophony, and conductive hearing changes.
Common after blast exposure, frequent altitude changes, or chronic sinusitis.
When chronic, it is often the underlying cause of recurrent ear infections, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Direct: documented in-service barotrauma, blast exposure, or chronic sinusitis.
- Secondary to chronic sinusitis or rhinitis.
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.87 (analogous, often under DC 6299-6201)
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Analogous | Most often rated 0–10% based on chronic effusion findings or as a contributing factor for hearing-related ratings. |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- ENT exam (tympanometry, otoscopy).
- Audiogram.
- Records of barotrauma or blast exposure.
Common Secondary Conditions
Conditions frequently service-connected as secondary to Eustachian Tube Dysfunction:
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Eustachian Tube Dysfunction claim or denial?
Four fields. A VA-accredited claims agent reviews it and responds within 3–5 business days. Contingent fees apply only to awarded past-due benefits on appeals — never on initial claims.
Requesting a consultation does not create representation and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Representation begins only after a written fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a are signed.
Educational content only — not legal advice and not medical advice. Rating criteria on this page are summarized in plain English from 38 CFR Part 4; consult VA.gov or the current Code of Federal Regulations for official criteria. This page provides general education about how the VA rates this condition; it is not individualized advice, does not establish a representation relationship, and should not be used to self-diagnose, self-treat, or decide a course of action without speaking to a qualified clinician and a VA-accredited representative. Outcomes depend on each veteran's individual facts, evidence, and the adjudicator's judgment; no specific rating, effective date, or other result is guaranteed. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
Related Conditions
Hearing Loss
Pure-tone thresholds, Maryland CNC, and Tables VI/VIa/VII.
Tinnitus
The 10% maximum schedular rating and how to establish service connection.
Otitis Media (Chronic Ear Infections)
Chronic suppurative otitis media rated under DC 6200, plus residual hearing loss.
Sinusitis & Rhinitis
Episode counts, polyps, and secondary OSA pathways.