This tool provides estimates for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Hearing Loss
- Hearing loss ratings are based on objective audiometric measurements, not subjective hearing difficulty.
- Many veterans with noticeable hearing loss may still receive a 0% compensable rating based on test results.
- A 0% rating still establishes service connection and can be used as a basis for secondary claims.
- The VA uses Tables VI, VIA, and VII from 38 CFR 4.85-4.86 to calculate the rating.
Based on VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and related service-connection regulations. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026
Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.
Primary sources: 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities), VA.gov disability compensation, 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection)
Overview
Service-connected hearing loss is one of the most prevalent disabilities among veterans, commonly resulting from exposure to loud noise during military service. Hearing loss is rated under Diagnostic Code 6100 using a mechanical formula based on audiometric test results.
Unlike most VA disabilities, hearing loss ratings are determined by objective measurements rather than subjective symptoms. The VA uses puretone threshold averages and speech discrimination scores (Maryland CNC test) to assign a Roman numeral designation (I through XI) for each ear using Table VI or Table VIA. These designations are then combined using Table VII to determine the disability percentage.
Because the rating is based strictly on test results, many veterans with significant hearing difficulties may receive a 0% rating. Even a 0% rating is valuable, however, as it establishes service connection and opens the door for secondary condition claims such as tinnitus, depression, and vestibular disorders.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Hearing impairment present but test results (puretone threshold averages and speech discrimination scores) do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Table VII. |
| 10% | Hearing impairment meeting the minimum criteria for a compensable evaluation based on puretone threshold averages and speech recognition scores as applied to Tables VI/VIA and VII. |
| 20% | Moderate hearing impairment as determined by Table VII based on the combination of Roman numeral designations for each ear. |
| 30% | Moderately severe hearing impairment per Table VII criteria. |
| 40% | Severe hearing impairment per Table VII criteria. |
| 50% | Severe to profound hearing impairment per Table VII criteria. |
| 60% | Profound hearing impairment in at least one ear as determined by Table VII. |
| 70% | Profound hearing impairment per Table VII criteria for both ears. |
| 80% | Exceptional hearing impairment per Table VII criteria. |
| 90% | Near-total hearing impairment per Table VII criteria. |
| 100% | Total deafness in both ears. |
- 0%
Hearing impairment present but test results (puretone threshold averages and speech discrimination scores) do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Table VII.
- 10%
Hearing impairment meeting the minimum criteria for a compensable evaluation based on puretone threshold averages and speech recognition scores as applied to Tables VI/VIA and VII.
- 20%
Moderate hearing impairment as determined by Table VII based on the combination of Roman numeral designations for each ear.
- 30%
Moderately severe hearing impairment per Table VII criteria.
- 40%
Severe hearing impairment per Table VII criteria.
- 50%
Severe to profound hearing impairment per Table VII criteria.
- 60%
Profound hearing impairment in at least one ear as determined by Table VII.
- 70%
Profound hearing impairment per Table VII criteria for both ears.
- 80%
Exceptional hearing impairment per Table VII criteria.
- 90%
Near-total hearing impairment per Table VII criteria.
- 100%
Total deafness in both ears.
These criteria describe how a VA Compensation & Pension examiner evaluates the condition during a rating exam. They are not a self-test. For mental health conditions under 38 CFR 4.130, a diagnosis must be made by a qualified clinician under DSM-5. Actual ratings depend on the totality of evidence reviewed by the VA.
Evidence Checklist
Required
Audiometric examination
A current audiogram showing puretone threshold averages at 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz, plus a Maryland CNC speech discrimination test.
Service records
Documentation of noise exposure during military service, including MOS, deployment records, or documented noise events.
Recommended
In-service audiograms
Hearing test results from entry and separation physicals showing a shift in hearing thresholds during service.
Helpful
Personal statement
A description of the noise exposure environment during service and how hearing loss affects daily communication.
Secondary Conditions
These conditions may be claimed as secondary to Hearing Loss. A nexus is the medical link between a service-connected condition and a related condition. Nexus strength indicates the level of established medical evidence supporting that connection.
Tinnitus
DC 6260, Typical range: 10%
Depression
DC 9434, Typical range: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 100%
Vestibular Disorders
DC 6204, Typical range: 10%, 30%
Vertigo
DC 6204, Typical range: 10%, 30%
Explore all secondary conditions in the Secondary Condition Mapper tool.
C&P Exam Preparation
What to Expect
- The exam will include pure-tone audiometry testing, where you listen for tones at different frequencies and volumes through headphones.
- Speech recognition testing (typically the Maryland CNC word list) will measure how well you understand spoken words.
- The examiner will ask when you first noticed hearing loss or tinnitus and what noise exposure you had during service.
How to Prepare
- Avoid loud noise exposure for at least 24 hours before the exam, as temporary threshold shifts can affect results.
- Consider making a list of specific situations where hearing loss causes difficulty, such as conversations in noisy environments, phone calls, or group settings.
- If you experience tinnitus, think about how to describe its characteristics: pitch, volume, constancy, and which ear.
View the full C&P exam preparation guide for detailed tips and common mistakes.
Related DBQs
Hearing Loss and Tinnitus
Form 21-0960N-1
Ear Conditions (Other Than Hearing Loss/Tinnitus)
Form 21-0960N-2
Search all DBQ forms in the DBQ Finder tool.
Next Steps
This information is for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.