VA Disability Rating for Hearing Loss: 2026 Guide

Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent service-connected conditions in the VA system. Noise from weapons, aircraft, vehicles, and equipment causes sensorineural hearing loss that the VA compensates separately from tinnitus. Many veterans are underrated because the C&P exam process is complex.

How the VA Rates Hearing Loss

The VA uses Diagnostic Code 6100. The rating requires an audiological examination with two pieces of data: your pure tone threshold average (audiogram) and your speech recognition score (Maryland CNC word test). These two measurements place each ear in a Roman numeral category (I–XI). The two ear categories then combine on a conversion table to produce a percentage rating.

Getting the Right C&P Exam

Your C&P audiology exam must be conducted in a sound-isolated booth by a licensed audiologist. At the exam, do not try to "hear better" than you naturally do — perform honestly. Your goal is an accurate measurement of your real hearing ability without aids. The examiner will test frequencies at 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz.

0% Rating Still Has Value

Even a 0% hearing loss rating is worth having. It establishes service connection, entitling you to free VA audiology care and hearing aids — which can cost thousands of dollars privately. It also protects your future increase claims if your hearing deteriorates.

Combine Hearing Loss with Tinnitus

Tinnitus (DC 6260, always 10%) and hearing loss (DC 6100, 0% to 100%) result from the same military noise exposure but are completely separate diagnostic codes. Filing both in the same claim adds the 10% tinnitus on top of any hearing loss rating, increasing your overall combined rating. Use the calculator to see the combined effect.

Hearing Aids and Assistive Devices

With a service-connected hearing loss rating of any percentage, the VA will provide hearing aids, batteries, cleaning supplies, and follow-up audiological care at no cost. This alone can be worth thousands of dollars per year even at a 0% rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the VA rate hearing loss?

The VA uses your audiogram (pure tone threshold) and speech recognition score to place your hearing in a Roman numeral category (I–XI) for each ear. These combine to produce a percentage rating using a conversion table.

Can I get 0% for hearing loss and still get benefits?

Yes. A 0% hearing loss rating still establishes service connection, entitles you to VA audiology care, and hearing aids — all at no cost to you.

Should I file for tinnitus and hearing loss together?

Yes, always. They result from the same noise exposure and have separate diagnostic codes. Filing both at the same time is efficient and they do not reduce each other in the combined rating formula.

What is the most common VA hearing loss rating?

Most veterans receive 0% for hearing loss — meaning service connection is established but the hearing loss does not yet reach the compensable threshold. Many qualify for 10% or higher with significant hearing impairment.