How does the VA rate hearing loss?

Hearing loss is not rated from symptoms. The level (0–100% in 10% steps) is calculated mechanically under 38 CFR 4.85 from your audiogram — puretone threshold averages plus a Maryland CNC speech-discrimination score, mapped through Tables VI/VIa/VII. Your exact percentage depends on the test results.

Why is my hearing loss rated 0%?

Many veterans have service-connected hearing loss that maps to 0% under the rating tables — meaning it's recognized as service-connected but not yet at a compensable level. A 0% rating still matters: it can rise if your hearing worsens, and it confirms service connection for the future.

Should I claim tinnitus with my hearing loss?

Almost always. Tinnitus very commonly accompanies noise-induced hearing loss and carries its own 10% rating, so it's typically claimed alongside or secondary to the hearing loss.

Can I use a private audiogram?

A private audiogram can corroborate your claim, but the VA generally requires its own audiometric exam — including the Maryland CNC speech-discrimination test — to assign the rating, because the schedule is tied to that specific test.

VA Disability for Hearing Loss: Ratings, Evidence & Secondary Conditions

Hearing loss is rated mechanically from an audiogram — not from symptoms — so the right evidence is everything. It very often accompanies tinnitus, which is separately ratable.

How the VA rates Hearing Loss

Current rule38 CFR 4.85 · Diagnostic Code 6100 · effective 1999-06-10

Hearing Loss is rated under 38 CFR 4.85, Diagnostic Code 6100 (ratings of 0%–10%). Each criterion below is transcribed verbatim from the VA rating schedule and verified against the regulation (eCFR / Cornell LII) — never paraphrased.

0%
Roman numeral hearing-impairment levels (Tables VI/VIa) that map to 0% under Table VII.
10%
Hearing-impairment levels under Tables VI/VIa that map to 10% under Table VII.

See the full Hearing Loss rating criteria →Estimate your combined rating (free calculator) →

Common conditions secondary to Hearing Loss

Veterans routinely under-claim because they don't know a secondary condition exists. These are commonly claimed as secondary to service-connected Hearing Loss — each is a candidate to raise with your provider, not an automatic grant, and each needs a medical nexus opinion.

Tinnitus
Tinnitus very often accompanies noise-induced hearing loss and is claimed alongside or secondary to it.

Full secondary-conditions guide for Hearing Loss →Find what you may qualify to claim →

Evidence the VA looks for

A strong Hearing Loss claim ties a current diagnosis to your service with a medical nexus. The records that move a Hearing Loss claim, in priority order:

A VA-standard audiogram measuring puretone thresholds AND a Maryland CNC speech-discrimination score (the rating is calculated from these via Tables VI/VIa/VII)
Evidence of in-service noise exposure (MOS, combat, aircraft, artillery, machinery)
A nexus opinion linking the hearing loss to that exposure
Any private audiology records that corroborate the C&P findings

The C&P exam & the nexus

For most Hearing Loss claims the VA schedules a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. The examiner measures the things the rating schedule turns on and gives a medical opinion on whether your Hearing Loss is at least as likely as not connected to your service (the “nexus”). Knowing what the examiner will assess — and bringing the evidence above — is the single biggest thing you control. Prepare for the exam and check that your records support a nexus before you file.

How VA Disability Pro helps with your Hearing Loss claim

AI record analysis. Upload your medical records and DD-214 and let the AI surface the evidence — and the secondary conditions — that support a Hearing Loss claim.
Combined-rating estimator. Estimate your §4.25 combined rating and monthly payment with Hearing Loss and your other conditions — free, no signup.
Presumptive & qualify checks. See whether Hearing Loss may be presumptive under the PACT Act and what else you may qualify to claim.

Hearing Loss VA disability: frequently asked questions

How does the VA rate hearing loss?: Hearing loss is not rated from symptoms. The level (0–100% in 10% steps) is calculated mechanically under 38 CFR 4.85 from your audiogram — puretone threshold averages plus a Maryland CNC speech-discrimination score, mapped through Tables VI/VIa/VII. Your exact percentage depends on the test results.
Why is my hearing loss rated 0%?: Many veterans have service-connected hearing loss that maps to 0% under the rating tables — meaning it's recognized as service-connected but not yet at a compensable level. A 0% rating still matters: it can rise if your hearing worsens, and it confirms service connection for the future.
Should I claim tinnitus with my hearing loss?: Almost always. Tinnitus very commonly accompanies noise-induced hearing loss and carries its own 10% rating, so it's typically claimed alongside or secondary to the hearing loss.
Can I use a private audiogram?: A private audiogram can corroborate your claim, but the VA generally requires its own audiometric exam — including the Maryland CNC speech-discrimination test — to assign the rating, because the schedule is tied to that specific test.

Informational only and not a guarantee of any rating or outcome. The criteria above are quoted from the VA rating schedule; your actual rating depends on a C&P exam and the evidence in your file, and the VA makes the final decision. This is not medical or legal advice. VA Disability Pro is an independent platform — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and not an accredited representative.