Diagnostic Code 6100 · 38 CFR §4.85
Hearing loss is a reduction in the ability to perceive sounds, measured by audiometric testing. The VA rates hearing loss using a mechanical, formula-based system under 38 CFR 4.85 and 4.86. Unlike most VA conditions where a rater uses judgment to match symptoms to criteria, hearing loss ratings are determined almost entirely by the numbers from your audiogram. Your puretone thresholds at specific frequencies and your speech recognition scores are plugged into two tables that produce your rating. This makes the hearing loss rating process uniquely objective — but it also means many veterans with noticeable real-world hearing difficulty receive a 0% rating because their audiometric results do not meet the thresholds for a compensable evaluation.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | The most common outcome. Your audiometric results place both ears at Level I on Table VI (or Table VIA for exceptional patterns). When Table VII is consulted, the intersection of Level I and Level I yields a 0% rating. A 0% rating still means the VA acknowledges your hearing loss is service-connected, which qualifies you for free hearing aids and audiology care through the VA. |
| 10% | Assigned when the combination of hearing acuity levels for both ears on Table VII yields a 10% evaluation. For example, one ear at Level II and the other at Level V, or one ear at Level III and the other at Level IV. The specific combinations are determined by the intersection on Table VII in 38 CFR 4.85. |
| 20% | Requires a more significant disparity between ears or greater overall loss. For example, one ear at Level V and the other at Level IV, or one ear at Level III and the other at Level VII. |
| 30% | Assigned for more pronounced hearing loss combinations on Table VII, such as one ear at Level VI and the other at Level V. |
| 40% | Requires substantial measured hearing loss in both ears, such as one ear at Level VII and the other at Level VI. |
| 50% | Assigned for severe bilateral hearing loss combinations on Table VII. |
| 60% | Assigned for severe hearing loss, such as one ear at Level VIII and the other at Level VII or higher. |
| 70% | Requires very severe hearing loss in both ears. |
| 80% | Assigned for profound bilateral hearing loss. |
| 90% | Near-total bilateral hearing loss. |
| 100% | Total hearing loss — Level XI in both ears, or as determined by Table VII when both ears are at the highest acuity levels. |
Hearing loss claims require an audiometric examination conducted by a licensed audiologist. The VA will schedule a C&P audio exam that includes: (1) puretone audiometry measuring thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz for each ear, and (2) the Maryland CNC speech recognition test. Both sets of numbers are required — the VA cannot rate hearing loss without them. Your service treatment records showing hearing tests at entry and separation are valuable because they can demonstrate a shift in hearing thresholds during service. If your separation audiogram shows worse hearing than your entrance audiogram, that is strong evidence of in-service hearing damage even if your current hearing loss is relatively mild.
Hearing loss is rated using a strict mathematical formula based on audiometric test results. Many veterans with noticeable real-world hearing difficulty still fall at Level I on the VA rating tables, which produces a 0% evaluation. A 0% rating still means your hearing loss is service-connected, which qualifies you for free hearing aids and audiology care through the VA.
The VA uses two tables in 38 CFR 4.85. Table VI converts your puretone threshold average and speech recognition score into a Roman numeral level (I through XI) for each ear. Table VII then cross-references the levels for both ears to produce a percentage rating. For exceptional hearing loss patterns (defined in 38 CFR 4.86), Table VIA may be used instead, which does not factor in speech recognition scores.
Yes. Any service-connected hearing loss rating — including 0% — entitles you to free hearing aids, batteries, repairs, and audiology care through the VA healthcare system. This is one of the most valuable benefits of a 0% hearing loss rating.
Yes. Even if your current hearing loss results in a 0% rating, establishing service connection now protects you for the future. Hearing loss typically worsens with age, and having it already service-connected means you can file for an increase later without needing to re-prove the nexus to military service.
Under 38 CFR 4.86, an exceptional pattern exists when puretone thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz are all 55 dB or higher, or when the threshold at 1000 Hz is 30 dB or less and at 2000 Hz is 70 dB or more. In these cases, the VA uses Table VIA (which relies only on puretone averages) as an alternative to Table VI, and applies whichever result is more favorable to the veteran.