Hearing Loss
The VA rates Hearing Loss under Diagnostic Code 6100 across 11 severity levels, from 0% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation. There are 4 documented secondary conditions linked to Hearing Loss.
Rating schedule — DC 6100 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 11
- CFR section
- § 4.85–4.87, DC 6100
- Body system
- Auditory System
- Secondary conditions
- 4
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Hearing Loss?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | No hearing impairment ratable under Table VI (38 CFR § 4.85). Puretone threshold average and speech discrimination scores fall within normal limits bilaterally, or; hearing impairment in one ear only meets Roman Numeral I on Table VI and the other ear is within normal limits, resulting in a non-compensable (0%) rating per Table VII. Note: Hearing loss is rated using specialized tables. The rating examiner must conduct a controlled speech discrimination test and a puretone audiometric test. Veterans should be referred to an audiologist for a Compensation and Pension (C&P) hearing exam. |
| 10% | Hearing impairment rated on Table VI (38 CFR § 4.85) yields a combined Roman Numeral II–III result in one ear with the other ear at level I or better, producing a 10% combined rating per Table VII. Typically corresponds to moderate hearing loss in the better ear with speech discrimination scores of 76–92%. |
| 20% | Hearing impairment producing a combined Roman Numeral result of III–IV in one ear, with the other ear at II–III, yielding a 20% rating per Table VII. Typically corresponds to moderate-to-moderately-severe hearing loss with speech discrimination scores of 60–76%. |
| 30% | Hearing impairment producing a combined Roman Numeral result in both ears that yields a 30% rating per Table VII. Typically corresponds to moderately-severe to severe hearing loss bilaterally with speech discrimination scores of 44–60%. |
| 40% | Hearing impairment producing a combined Roman Numeral result that yields a 40% rating per Table VII. Typically corresponds to severe bilateral hearing loss with speech discrimination scores of 30–44%. |
| 50% | Hearing impairment producing a combined Roman Numeral result that yields a 50% rating per Table VII. Typically corresponds to severe-to-profound bilateral hearing loss with speech discrimination scores of 14–30%. |
| 60% | Hearing impairment producing a combined Roman Numeral result that yields a 60% rating per Table VII. Typically corresponds to profound bilateral hearing loss with speech discrimination scores of 0–14% in both ears. |
| 70% | Hearing impairment producing a combined Roman Numeral result that yields a 70% rating per Table VII. Corresponds to profound bilateral hearing loss approaching deafness, with near-zero speech discrimination bilaterally. |
| 80% | Hearing impairment producing a combined Roman Numeral result that yields an 80% rating per Table VII. Corresponds to near-total deafness with zero or near-zero speech discrimination in both ears. |
| 90% | Hearing impairment producing a combined Roman Numeral result that yields a 90% rating per Table VII. Corresponds to functional deafness with zero speech discrimination bilaterally and puretone thresholds in the severe-profound range (greater than 90 dB HL) in both ears. |
| 100% | Hearing impairment producing a combined Roman Numeral result of XI in both ears per Table VI, yielding a 100% rating per Table VII. Corresponds to complete bilateral deafness with zero speech discrimination (0%) and puretone threshold averages of 100 dB HL or greater in both ears. Note: A 100% rating for hearing loss requires complete bilateral deafness. This is distinct from total disability via TDIU. Veterans with 100% hearing loss are entitled to the full compensation rate plus any applicable special monthly compensation (SMC). |
“Hearing impairment producing a combined Roman Numeral result that yields a 50% rating per Table VII. Typically corresponds to severe-to-profound bilateral hearing loss with speech discrimination scores of 14–30%.”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Hearing Loss?
View 4 secondary conditions linked to Hearing Loss
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
Common Questions About Hearing Loss VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Hearing Loss?
The VA rates Hearing Loss under Diagnostic Code 6100 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: No hearing impairment ratable under Table VI (38 CFR § 4.85). Puretone threshold average and speech discrimination scores fall within normal limits bilaterally, or; hearing impairment in one ear only meets Roman Numeral I on Table VI and the other ear is within normal limits, resulting in a non-compensable (0%) rating per Table VII.. The maximum 100% rating requires: Hearing impairment producing a combined Roman Numeral result of XI in both ears per Table VI, yielding a 100% rating per Table VII. Corresponds to complete bilateral deafness with zero speech discrimination (0%) and puretone threshold averages of 100 dB HL or greater in both ears..
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Hearing Loss?
The VA rates Hearing Loss under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6100, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.85–4.87, DC 6100. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 0% and a 100% rating for Hearing Loss?
A 0% rating requires: No hearing impairment ratable under Table VI (38 CFR § 4.85). Puretone threshold average and speech discrimination scores fall within normal limits bilaterally, or; hearing impairment in one ear only meets Roman Numeral I on Table VI and the other ear is within normal limits, resulting in a non-compensable (0%) rating per Table VII.. A 100% rating requires: Hearing impairment producing a combined Roman Numeral result of XI in both ears per Table VI, yielding a 100% rating per Table VII. Corresponds to complete bilateral deafness with zero speech discrimination (0%) and puretone threshold averages of 100 dB HL or greater in both ears.. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Hearing Loss qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Hearing Loss alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Hearing Loss?
The key evidence for Hearing Loss is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Hearing Loss?
Hearing Loss is associated with 4 documented secondary conditions. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What happens at the C&P exam for Hearing Loss?
The C&P examiner uses a Auditory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6100 rating criteria. The examiner documents symptom frequency, severity, and functional impact. Bring all treatment records and describe your worst days, not your best — the VA rates on the full clinical picture across time, not a snapshot of one good day.
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