Bethanie Spangenberg explains the VA's Ear Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) and breaks down how veterans can approach ear-related disability claims beyond hearing loss and tinnitus.
• The ear has three parts: external (pinna and ear canal), middle (pressure system with eustachian tube), and internal (balance center)
• Ear conditions DBQ covers inner ear, middle ear, outer ear and infections, but not hearing loss or tinnitus
• Meniere's disease can receive ratings from 30% to 100% depending on frequency and severity of symptoms
• Peripheral vestibular disorders receive 10% for occasional dizziness or 30% with staggering
• External ear infections must show multiple symptoms for a 10% rating
• Mastoiditis (bone infection) is a serious complication requiring prompt treatment
• Physical examination may be limited for inner ear conditions as symptoms aren't always present at exam time
• VA increasingly requires objective test results for compensable inner ear condition ratings
• Look for diagnoses in the "assessment and plan" section of medical records rather than just the formal diagnosis codes
• Consider seeking an Independent Medical Opinion if VA providers aren't documenting conditions properly
For questions about obtaining medical evidence for your VA ear disability claim, contact Valor 4 Vet at 888-448-1011 or visit valor4vet.com
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