Diagnostic Code 6209 · 38 CFR §4.87
A benign neoplasm (non-cancerous growth) of the ear includes conditions such as acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas), osteomas, exostoses (surfer's ear), and cholesterol granulomas. While non-cancerous, these growths can cause significant symptoms including hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, balance problems, and facial nerve weakness depending on location and size. Exostoses, in particular, are common among veterans who had repeated cold water exposure during military service. Acoustic neuromas can grow on the vestibular nerve and may require surgical removal or radiation. The VA rates these conditions based on the functional impairment they cause, not at fixed rating levels.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | This condition does not have its own fixed rating levels. Under 38 CFR 4.87, DC 6209 instructs the VA to rate on impairment of function. This means the VA evaluates each functional impairment the benign neoplasm causes — such as hearing loss under DC 6100, vestibular dysfunction under DC 6204, tinnitus under DC 6260, or facial nerve problems under the appropriate neurological code — and assigns ratings based on those individual impairments. The overall disability picture depends on which functions are affected and how severely. |
Imaging studies (CT or MRI) documenting the neoplasm are essential. ENT evaluation records including audiometry and vestibular testing establish the functional impact — this is critical because the rating depends entirely on what functions are impaired. Surgical records if the growth was removed are important. Service treatment records linking the condition to military service — cold water exposure for exostoses, noise exposure contributing to acoustic neuroma symptoms — help establish nexus. Post-treatment records documenting residual effects are needed for ongoing rating.
Yes. While the exact cause of acoustic neuromas is often unknown, military noise exposure has been investigated as a contributing factor. A nexus opinion from a specialist can support the claim. Symptoms like hearing loss and tinnitus that prompted the diagnosis may themselves be service-connected.
No. The regulation instructs the VA to rate on impairment of function. This means each functional problem the growth causes — hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus, facial nerve weakness — is evaluated under the diagnostic code for that specific impairment. There are no fixed 10% or 30% levels for DC 6209 itself.
Yes. Hearing loss (DC 6100), tinnitus (DC 6260), and vestibular disorders (DC 6204) caused by the neoplasm or its surgical treatment can each be evaluated under their own diagnostic codes.