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Tinnitus and hearing loss are two of the most commonly service-connected disabilities among veterans. Exposure to gunfire, explosions, aircraft engines, heavy machinery, and other sources of hazardous noise is a well-documented aspect of military service across all branches. Despite how prevalent these conditions are, many veterans are surprised and frustrated by the ratings they receive, particularly the 10% cap on tinnitus and the frequent 0% rating for hearing loss. Understanding how the VA rates these conditions and why the ratings may not reflect your subjective experience is important for managing expectations and pursuing the benefits you deserve.
Tinnitus is rated under Diagnostic Code 6260 at a flat 10%, which is the maximum schedular rating available for this condition. This 10% rating applies whether the tinnitus is in one ear or both, and regardless of how severe or debilitating the ringing, buzzing, or other sounds are. The VA does not distinguish between mild intermittent tinnitus and constant, overwhelming tinnitus for rating purposes. This single rating has been a source of significant frustration for veterans whose tinnitus is severe enough to interfere with sleep, concentration, work performance, and overall quality of life. While there have been periodic discussions about revising the tinnitus rating criteria, the 10% cap remains in effect as of 2026.
Hearing loss is rated through a mechanical, table-based system that relies on audiometric test results. The VA uses two measurements from a controlled audiological evaluation: the pure tone threshold average (the average of hearing thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz) and the speech discrimination score (measured using the Maryland CNC word list). These two numbers are plotted on Table VI in 38 CFR 4.85 to determine a Roman numeral designation for each ear. The two Roman numerals are then cross-referenced on Table VII to determine the disability rating percentage. This mechanical application of test results means that the rating is determined entirely by the numbers, with no consideration of how the hearing loss affects you in everyday life.
The reason so many veterans receive a 0% rating for hearing loss is that the rating tables require fairly significant audiometric loss before a compensable rating is assigned. A veteran who struggles to hear conversations in noisy environments, who turns up the TV volume to levels that bother others, and who frequently asks people to repeat themselves may still test within the 0% range on the VA audiometric tables. This disconnect between functional hearing difficulty and the audiometric rating is one of the most common sources of frustration in the VA claims process. The 0% rating does not mean the VA does not believe you have hearing loss; it means your test results fall within the range that the rating schedule considers noncompensable.
There is an important distinction between "noncompensable" and "not service-connected." A 0% service-connected hearing loss rating still establishes that your hearing loss is related to your military service. This matters for several reasons. First, if your hearing loss worsens over time, you can file for an increased rating and the service connection is already established. Second, a service-connected hearing loss can serve as the basis for secondary service-connection claims for conditions caused or aggravated by the hearing loss. Third, service-connected conditions at 0% may still qualify you for VA health care eligibility for that condition. Never decline a 0% rating simply because it does not come with monthly compensation.
Table VI in 38 CFR 4.85 is the primary table used to determine the Roman numeral designation for each ear. The table has speech discrimination percentages along one axis and pure tone threshold averages along the other. Where the two values intersect determines the Roman numeral (I through XI) for that ear. Table VIA in 38 CFR 4.86 provides an alternative method for exceptional patterns of hearing loss, specifically when the pure tone threshold at each of the four frequencies (1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz) is 55 decibels or more, or when the pure tone threshold at 1000 Hz is 30 decibels or less and the threshold at 2000 Hz is 70 decibels or more. If your hearing loss matches these exceptional patterns, the VA should use whichever table produces the higher Roman numeral.
The Maryland CNC speech discrimination test deserves special attention because it is weighted equally with pure tone averages in determining your rating. During this test, you will listen to a recorded list of 50 monosyllabic words and repeat each one. Your score is the percentage of words you correctly identify. A score of 92% or higher, combined with a moderate pure tone threshold average, will typically result in a Level I designation (the least severe). Scores below 60% begin to result in significantly higher Roman numeral designations. If you have difficulty with speech discrimination in daily life, this portion of the test is where that difficulty should be captured, provided the testing environment and methods are appropriate.
Secondary conditions related to tinnitus and hearing loss can sometimes result in additional ratings that exceed the primary condition ratings. Depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance are commonly associated with chronic tinnitus, particularly when the tinnitus is severe and constant. If you can establish through medical evidence that your tinnitus has caused or aggravated a mental health condition, that secondary condition can be rated separately under the appropriate mental health diagnostic code, potentially resulting in a 30%, 50%, or 70% rating for the mental health condition alone. Similarly, if your hearing loss has led to social isolation, occupational difficulties, or related mental health impacts, those secondary effects may be ratable.
Meniere's disease (DC 6205) is worth mentioning because it involves hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo as a combined syndrome. If you have been diagnosed with Meniere's disease, the rating criteria differ from standalone hearing loss and tinnitus ratings. Meniere's can be rated from 30% to 100% based on the frequency and severity of episodes involving vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and cerebellar gait disturbance. If your hearing loss and tinnitus are part of a Meniere's diagnosis, ensure that the VA evaluates the condition under DC 6205 rather than rating tinnitus and hearing loss separately under their individual codes, as the Meniere's rating may be significantly more favorable.
For veterans appealing a hearing loss rating, the most common path forward is to obtain a new audiological evaluation that shows worsened hearing. Because the rating is based entirely on test results, the only way to get a higher rating is to produce worse numbers. If you believe your hearing has deteriorated since your last C&P exam, filing for an increase and obtaining a current audiological evaluation is the appropriate step. If you believe the C&P exam was conducted improperly (for example, if the testing environment was not adequately soundproofed or the Maryland CNC test was not administered correctly), that may be grounds for a new exam through a Higher-Level Review or Supplemental Claim.
Veterans should also be aware that the VA provides hearing aids at no cost for service-connected hearing loss, even at the 0% rating level. VA audiology departments can fit you with appropriate hearing aids and provide ongoing maintenance and replacement. This benefit alone makes establishing service connection for hearing loss worthwhile, even if the monthly compensation amount is zero. Additionally, if your hearing loss requires assistive devices, modifications, or vocational accommodations, those needs can be documented and may support a higher rating or additional benefits.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, medical, or VA claims advice. VA regulations, fee structures, and enforcement actions are subject to change. Always verify current requirements at VA.gov or consult with an accredited VSO, attorney, or claims agent before making decisions about your benefits.
Written by ClaimRecon Editorial