Ear Conditions Explained: The DBQ Deep Dive

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 properlyFor questions about obtaining medical evidence for your VA ear disability claim, contact Valor 4 Vet at 888-448-1011 or visit valor4vet.comTune in live every Thursday at 7 PM EST and join the conversation! Click here to listen and chat with us. Visit J Basser's Exposed Vet Productions (Formerly Exposed Vet Radioshow) YouTube page by clicking here.