EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Hearing Loss (Bilateral Sensorineural)
DC 6100 | 38 C.F.R. 4.85-4.86, DC 6100 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.6
OVERVIEW
Hearing loss is rated based on objective audiometric testing: puretone threshold averages and speech discrimination scores (Maryland CNC test). The VA uses Table VI (or Table VIA for exceptional patterns) to convert test results into a Roman numeral designation for each ear, then Table VII to determine the percentage rating. Many veterans receive a 0% rating for hearing loss, which is still important because it establishes service connection and opens secondary claims.
RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)
0% -- Service-connected but audiometric results do not meet compensable threshold under Table VII.
Most common initial rating. Still valuable: opens secondary claims and establishes service connection for future worsening.
10% -- Audiometric results meet Table VII criteria for 10%.
Mild to moderate hearing loss affecting both ears.
20-100% -- Higher ratings based on progressively worse audiometric findings.
Ratings increase as hearing loss severity increases per Table VII matrix.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-DD Form 2216 (Hearing Conservation Program) audiograms from service showing threshold shifts
-Current VA or private audiogram with puretone thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 Hz AND Maryland CNC speech discrimination scores
-VA Duty MOS Noise Exposure Listing (Fast Letter 10-35) classifying your MOS noise probability
-Service treatment records showing any hearing complaints or ear-related treatment
-MOS duty description establishing noise exposure (weapons, vehicles, equipment, flight line)
-Buddy statements describing difficulty hearing, asking others to repeat themselves, or turning up volume
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (3 MAPPED)
TinnitusSTRONG
DC 6260
Same noise exposure pathway. Often claimed together.
Depression / AnxietyMODERATE
DC 9434/9413
Social isolation from hearing difficulty. Communication frustration.
Vertigo / Balance IssuesMODERATE
DC 6204
Inner ear damage from noise exposure can affect vestibular function.
C&P EXAM TIPS (5)
1.The VA hearing exam is OBJECTIVE -- your audiometric results determine the rating, not your subjective experience. There is no way to game it.
2.However, the Maryland CNC speech discrimination test matters significantly. If you have difficulty understanding speech in noise, this will show.
3.If your hearing worsens over time, you can file for an increase. A 0% initial rating is not permanent.
4.Even a 0% rating establishes service connection, which means: future worsening gets automatically re-evaluated, and secondary conditions (tinnitus, depression from hearing loss) become easier to claim.
5.The VA Duty MOS Noise Exposure Listing (Fast Letter 10-35) categorizes every MOS by noise probability. If your MOS is listed as 'highly probable,' the VA essentially concedes your noise exposure.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
Hensley v. Brown, 5 Vet. App. 155 (1993)
A veteran is not required to show hearing loss at separation from service. Hearing loss can develop or worsen after service and still be service-connected if linked to in-service noise exposure.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Hearing loss alone often rates at 0-10%. The strategic value is as a service-connection anchor: hearing loss (0%) + tinnitus (10%) + vertigo (30%) + depression (30%) combines to approximately 55%, paying $1,131.68/mo at the 60% rounded level. The 0% hearing loss rating is the foundation.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026