Hearing Loss VA Rating Guide

Overview

Partial or total inability to hear, commonly resulting from exposure to loud noises during military service including weapons fire, aircraft noise, explosions, or heavy machinery. One of the most common service-connected disabilities.

• VA Disability Code: 6100
• ICD Code: H91.9
• Category: Hearing

Rating Percentages & Criteria

100% Rating

Criteria: Assign 100% when Table VII, applied to bilateral Roman numeral designations from Tables VI or VIa, yields a 100 percent evaluation

Examples:

• Profound bilateral hearing loss
• Complete deafness

90% Rating

Criteria: Assign 90% when Table VII yields a 90 percent evaluation after mechanically applying Tables VI or VIa

Examples:

• Severe bilateral hearing loss

80% Rating

Criteria: Assign 80% when Table VII yields an 80 percent evaluation after mechanically applying Tables VI or VIa

Examples:

• Severe to profound hearing loss

70% Rating

Criteria: Assign 70% when Table VII yields a 70 percent evaluation after mechanically applying Tables VI or VIa

Examples:

• Moderately severe bilateral hearing loss

60% Rating

Criteria: Assign 60% when Table VII yields a 60 percent evaluation after mechanically applying Tables VI or VIa

Examples:

• Moderately severe hearing impairment

50% Rating

Criteria: Assign 50% when Table VII yields a 50 percent evaluation after mechanically applying Tables VI or VIa

Examples:

• Moderate bilateral hearing loss

40% Rating

Criteria: Assign 40% when Table VII yields a 40 percent evaluation after mechanically applying Tables VI or VIa

Examples:

• Moderate hearing impairment

30% Rating

Criteria: Assign 30% when Table VII yields a 30 percent evaluation after mechanically applying Tables VI or VIa

Examples:

• Moderate hearing loss

20% Rating

Criteria: Assign 20% when Table VII yields a 20 percent evaluation after mechanically applying Tables VI or VIa

Examples:

• Mild to moderate hearing loss

10% Rating

Criteria: Assign 10% when Table VII yields a 10 percent evaluation after mechanically applying Tables VI or VIa

Examples:

• Mild hearing loss

Symptoms & Functional Impact

Common symptoms associated with this condition:

• Difficulty hearing conversations
• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
• Turning up volume on TV or radio
• Difficulty hearing in noisy environments
• Muffled sound perception
• Difficulty understanding speech
• Social withdrawal
• Ringing in ears (often with tinnitus)

Evidence Requirements for Your Claim

To support your claim, gather the following evidence:

• Audiogram results showing hearing thresholds
• Audiologist examination report
• Service records documenting noise exposure
• Medical records of hearing loss diagnosis
• Hearing aid prescription and use
• Speech recognition testing results

Secondary Conditions Commonly Connected

This condition often leads to secondary disabilities:

Tinnitus (Strong Connection)

Hearing loss and tinnitus commonly occur together from noise exposure

Depression (Strong Connection)

Communication difficulties and social isolation increase depression risk

Anxiety (Moderate Connection)

Communication challenges and social situations can cause anxiety

Migraines (Moderate Connection)

Strain from difficulty hearing can trigger headaches

Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam Tips

Prepare for your C&P exam with these strategic tips:

• Do not use hearing aids during the audiometric testing
• Avoid loud noise exposure 24 hours before your test
• Be honest during the test - don't guess at sounds you can't hear
• Bring documentation of noise exposure during service
• Mention any ear injuries or infections during service

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get rated for both hearing loss and tinnitus?

Yes. Hearing loss and tinnitus are rated separately and can be combined for a total rating.

Will wearing hearing aids affect my rating?

No. The rating is based on your hearing without aids. However, the VA may provide hearing aids as part of your healthcare.

Key Points for Your Claim

When filing for Hearing Loss:

1. Document everything - Every medical visit, treatment, and symptom counts
2. Get a nexus letter - A medical opinion linking your condition to service is crucial
3. Be thorough - Don't downplay your symptoms in your claim
4. Track progression - Show how the condition has worsened over time
5. Claim secondary conditions - Hearing Loss often causes other disabilities

Ready to File Your Claim?

The VA disability system is complex, but you don't have to navigate it alone. We help veterans understand their benefits, gather strong evidence, and maximize their ratings.

Related Rating Guides:

• Tinnitus VA Rating Guide
• Depression VA Rating Guide
• Anxiety VA Rating Guide