Last Updated on 28 July, 2025
Hearing loss is one of the most common disabilities among veterans, often resulting from prolonged exposure to loud noises during military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers disability compensation to those who can prove their hearing impairment is connected to their military service. According to the VA’s Annual Fiscal Benefits Report, hearing loss affects over 1.59 million veterans, making it one of the most frequently compensated service-connected disabilities.
Yet, many veterans find themselves struggling with securing a fair VA disability rating due to strict eligibility criteria. This guide will walk you through the VA’s hearing loss rating system, its evaluation process, and how to increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Table of Contents
How Hearing Loss Affects Veterans’ Lives
Hearing loss refers to a partial or complete inability to hear sounds in one or both ears. It can happen due to damage to the auditory system, including the inner ear, auditory nerve, or brain pathways responsible for processing sound.
The condition quietly affects how Veterans interact with others, perform at work, and navigate daily life. Often rooted in long-term exposure to loud environments like aircraft engines, gunfire, or heavy equipment, these hearing impairment symptoms go far beyond what an audiogram reveals.
Symptoms of service-connected hearing loss:
- Muffled or distorted speech
- Trouble understanding conversations, especially in groups or noisy places
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Turning up the TV or radio excessively
- Ringing in the ears (often linked with tinnitus)
- Avoiding phone calls or social settings
These daily life challenges can lead to missed work cues, safety risks, or feelings of isolation. Even mild auditory loss can trigger anxiety or depression. If you have noticed these signs, consider scheduling a VA hearing exam. It’s the first step toward veterans’ diagnosis and disability benefits.
Types of Hearing Loss Compensated by the VA
The VA acknowledges three main types of hearing loss that may qualify for disability compensation, each with different causes and effects.
1. Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL)
This is the most common type of hearing loss among Veterans, resulting from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. Symptoms include difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) reports that blasts have left nearly 50% of injured veterans with permanent hearing damage.
Sensorineural type of loss is often caused by:
- Prolonged exposure to high or loud noises during military service
- Gunfires and Explosions
- aircraft engine noise
- Tanks and heavy machinery
- Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Jet fuel exposure (e.g., JP-8)
- Certain medications (ototoxic drugs)
- Aging
This type of hearing loss is usually permanent and may qualify for VA disability compensation. Treatment may involve the use of hearing aids or cochlear implants to enhance hearing ability.
2. Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves cannot properly pass through the outer or middle ear.
Causes include:
- Ear infections
- Fluid buildup in the middle ear
- Perforated eardrum
- Blockages (earwax or foreign objects)
- Damage to the middle ear bones
This type of hearing impairment can be treated or managed through surgery or hearing aids.
3. Mixed Hearing Loss
A combination of both sensorineural and conductive type, mixed hearing loss is prevalent among Veterans exposed to high-decibel environments. It results from damage to both the outer/middle ear and inner ear/auditory nerve. Overcoming this condition needs a combination of treatments, including hearing aids and possible surgery.
Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help manage the long-term effects. Veterans with hearing difficulties should seek medical evaluation and explore VA disability benefits to receive the support they deserve.
VA Ratings for Hearing Loss Explained
The VA disability rating system is designed to evaluate how significantly a veteran’s hearing impairment affects daily life and employment. The VA rates hearing loss based on specific audiometric tests conducted by a state-licensed audiologist during a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. Ratings typically range from 0% to 100%, determining the level of impairment and how much compensation a veteran will receive.
How the VA Assigns Disability Ratings
The VA follows a strict formula to assign disability ratings for hearing loss, relying on two main tests:
- Puretone Audiometry Test: Measures the softest sounds a person can hear at different frequencies.
- Maryland CNC Speech Discrimination Test: Assesses a veteran’s ability to recognize spoken words.
These test scores are plotted on the VA Hearing Loss Rating Chart, where the intersection of speech recognition scores and pure-tone averages determines the final disability rating. Importantly, disability in both ears is rated together, meaning a veteran receives a single combined rating rather than separate ratings for each ear.
VA Hearing Loss Rating Criteria
The VA evaluates hearing loss under 38 CFR § 4.85, using Diagnostic Code 6100 to determine disability ratings based on a veteran’s audiometric test results.
Typically, the VA assigns ratings between 0% and 100% for monthly compensation.
Common Hearing Loss Ratings and What They Mean
| Rating | Description | Monthly Compensation (2025*) |
| 0% | Hearing loss confirmed, but not severe enough for compensation | $0 (may still qualify for healthcare) |
| 10% | Mild to moderate hearing loss | $175.51 |
| 30% | Severe hearing impairment | $537.42 (no dependents) |
| 50%+ | Profound bilateral hearing loss | $1,102.04 and up |
*Rates are estimated and change annually.
Since the VA’s rating system strictly relies on evaluation test results rather than how the service-related condition affects communication in daily life, it becomes difficult for veterans to secure higher ratings. Veterans with worsening sound perception may consider seeking a reevaluation to ensure their VA disability rating reflects their current condition.
How to Prove Service Connection
To receive VA disability benefits for hearing loss, veterans must prove that their condition is service-connected. The VA requires three key elements to establish a direct service connection:
- A Current Diagnosis of Hearing Loss
An official current diagnosis must be confirmed by a licensed healthcare provider using VA-approved hearing tests.
- Evidence of an In-Service Event
For example, the veteran must show they were exposed to loud noise (for example, loud blasts, machinery, gunfire, aircraft) or suffered an injury during military service that could have caused or worsened hearing loss.
- A Nexus (Link)
An independent medical opinion is required from a qualified health care provider linking hearing impairment to military service. The nexus opinion must establish that the veteran’s hearing loss is “at least as likely as not” related to military service.
Evidence That Can Support a VA Hearing Loss Claim
- Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Records – Some jobs (e.g., infantry, artillery, aviation mechanics) are known to have high noise exposure. The VA also uses the Duty MOS Noise Exposure Level Chart to assess the likelihood of noise exposure tied to your job.
- Deployment or Combat Records – Combat veterans frequently experience noise trauma.
- Buddy Statements – Statements from fellow service members confirming loud noise exposure can be helpful.
If auditory loss is not documented in service records, the VA may argue that it developed post-service, making it harder to establish service connection. A strong nexus letter from a medical expert is crucial.
VA Hearing Tests and Evaluation Process
The Veterans Affairs requires specific tests to evaluate the severity of your hearing problems. Under 38 CFR § 4.85 – Evaluation of hearing impairment, your VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) hearing exam must be performed without the use of hearing aids to reflect the full extent of impairment.
1. Puretone Audiometry Test
The puretone test measures how well a veteran hears different sound frequencies (measured in Hertz, or Hz). The VA specifically tests at:
- 1000 Hz
- 2000 Hz
- 3000 Hz
- 4000 Hz
The results are recorded in decibels (dB), representing the lowest sounds the veteran can hear. The VA takes the average of these four frequencies in each ear to determine the puretone threshold average (PTA).
2. Maryland CNC Speech Discrimination Test
The Maryland CNC test measures speech recognition ability. During the test:
- Veterans listen to 50 recorded words at a set volume.
- They must repeat each word correctly.
- The percentage of words understood determines the speech discrimination score.
If either test is not included in a veteran’s medical file, the VA cannot use the results to assign a disability rating and may deny the claim. Veterans should ensure their Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam includes both tests.
VA Hearing Loss Rating Chart
The chart classifies hearing loss into Roman numerals (I–XI) based on Puretone Threshold Average (PTA) and Speech Discrimination Percentage.
By matching these two values, the chart assigns a Roman numeral that reflects the severity of hearing loss in each ear.
The table represents Percentage Evaluation for Hearing Impairment (Diagnostic Code 6100), where hearing loss is classified into a Roman numeral (I, II, III, etc.) for each ear, and then a combined percentage impairment is calculated based on the worse ear (“Poorer Ear”) and better ear (“Better Ear”). The VA uses the chart to assign disability ratings based on the controlled speech discrimination test percentage and puretone threshold average.
How to Read and Use the Chart
Here’s what your audiogram means:
- Your PTA and Speech Discrimination Score assigns a Roman numeral for each ear.
- The left column (vertical) lists the Roman numeral category of the Better Ear (from I to XI).
- The top row (horizontal) lists the Roman numeral category of the Poorer Ear (also from I to XI).
- The intersection of these two values gives the percentage of hearing impairment.
For example, if the Better Ear is in Category V and the Poorer Ear is in Category VIII, find row V and column VIII — the intersection gives you a 40% hearing impairment rating.
This disability percentage is used to determine your monthly VA compensation.
Tip: You can ask your audiologist to walk you through these tables using your exact PTA and speech scores so you understand where your case falls.
Exceptional Patterns of Hearing Loss
In some cases, a veteran’s audiogram results do not fit the “standard” rating formula. This is where 38 CFR § 4.86 comes in. Exceptional patterns for hearing loss apply when:
- All four tested frequencies (1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz) have a threshold of 55 decibels or more in one ear.
- The threshold at 1000 Hz is 30 dB or less, and the threshold at 2000 Hz is 70 dB or more.
How it changes the rating process:
- For these patterns, the VA uses Table VIa (which does not consider speech discrimination scores) if it results in a higher Roman numeral than Table VI.
- Once the higher numeral is determined, it is combined for both ears in Table VII, just like standard cases.
Example:
- Left ear: PTA = 70 dB, CNC score = 68%
- Table VI → Level VI
- Thresholds meet exceptional pattern criteria → Table VIa → Level VII
- VA must use Level VII for the left ear since it’s the higher (more favorable) numeral.
VA Disability Considerations for Bilateral Hearing Loss
Bilateral hearing loss, affecting both ears, is rated more favorably under the VA rating scale compared to unilateral cases. The VA combines test results from each ear using the Maryland CNC and puretone audiometry, then references the bilateral hearing loss VA rating chart to assign a single percentage. This dual-ear consideration results in a higher VA disability rating and may qualify veterans for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) if deafness is profound.
For example, a veteran assigned with Roman numeral V for one ear and VII for the other may receive a 30% bilateral hearing loss VA rating, while the same VII score for just one ear (unilateral) would likely result in 0% rating.
Veterans should ensure accurate testing and submit a strong VA claim for bilateral hearing loss compensation.
Hearing Loss Treatment Options
Depending on the type and severity of the service-connected condition, options for treating hearing impairment may range from medical interventions to lifelong assistive support.
Common Treatments Used by Veterans
- Hearing Aids – Hearing aids amplify sound and improve speech comprehension through small speakers. A primary treatment for sensorineural hearing loss, hearing aids are often recommended after VA audiometric testing and hence do not reduce the veteran’s disability ratings.
- Cochlear Implants – For severe or profound hearing loss, cochlear implants may restore partial hearing. These devices bypass damaged auditory cells and stimulate the auditory nerve directly. Veterans wearing cochlear implants may qualify for a temporary 100% rating for one year post-surgery.
- Surgery – Surgery treats conductive hearing loss by repairing or replacing damaged eardrum or middle ear structures, such as through tympanoplasty or ossicular chain reconstruction, to restore sound transmission.
- Corticosteroids – Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and suppress immune responses that may be damaging the auditory pathways. These medications are used to treat sudden sensorineural hearing loss if addressed early.
- Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) – ALDs enhance speech clarity in complex listening environments, helping veterans stay connected and improving their overall quality of life.
Veterans with hearing impairment should seek both clinical treatment and file a VA disability claim. Treatment can also support eligibility for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) if the loss of hearing affects employment. Remember, showing treatment records helps strengthen your case for higher VA hearing disability rates.
Steps to File VA Hearing Loss Claims
For veterans filing a VA claim for hearing loss, understanding the step-by-step process is essential to navigate it smoothly. On average, the VA takes 107.4 days to process disability claims applications. but timelines may vary depending on your regional office.
1. Gather Your Documentation
Before submitting a claim, collect all relevant evidence that proves your condition is service-connected. Proper documentation increases the likelihood of a favorable VA hearing loss rating.
Key documents to prepare:
- VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation)
- VA hearing test records (Puretone Audiometry + Maryland CNC)
- Buddy statements
- Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) noise exposure reports
- VA C&P exam results and a completed DBQ for hearing loss
- Private audiology evaluations
- Nexus letter from a medical provider (“at least as likely as not” statement)
2. Submit Your VA Hearing Loss Claim
Once your documents are ready, you can file your hearing loss VA claim through:
- Online via the eBenefits portal
- By mail to your local VA Regional Office using VA Form 21-526EZ
Keep copies of everything you submit and get a confirmation receipt.
3. Attend Your Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam
After filing, the VA will contact you to schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. You must attend this exam for your claim to proceed.
What the exam includes:
- Puretone Audiometry Test
- Maryland CNC Speech Discrimination Test
These tests determine your VA hearing loss rating under Diagnostic Code 6100 (38 CFR § 4.85).
4. Study the VA Rating Decision
Once your exam is reviewed, the VA issues a Rating Decision Letter. Review the decision to confirm if your assigned disability percentage reflects the severity of your hearing impairment symptoms and test results. You may be granted 0%, 10%, or higher hearing loss rating, depending on test outcomes.
If the claim is approved, compensation payments begin shortly after. If you’re denied or under-rated, you have one year to appeal.
VA C&P Exam for Hearing Loss
The VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for hearing loss determines three key factors:
- Confirming a recent medical diagnosis
- Establishing service connection
- Assessing the severity of symptoms
The examiner reviews medical history, noise exposure (e.g., combat, aircraft, machinery), and symptoms like muffled speech, difficulty in conversations, and reliance on high TV volume. Functional impacts, including workplace struggles and social withdrawal, are assessed. Finally, the C&P examiner will conduct a physical ear exam and audiometric testing (audiogram) to measure your hearing ability.
How to Prepare:
- Expect questions during the hearing exam – when did the symptoms begin? How does your condition impact your work and social interactions?
- Gather medical records, keep a symptom diary, and review the VA Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ).
- If claiming disability benefits years after service, the VA may argue that the hearing-related issues are due to aging.
- In that case, be ready to provide supporting evidence like buddy statements from friends or family members.
- Being detailed and honest with your answers.
Being prepared for the C&P exam improves the chances of favorable results and receiving a fair disability rating for hearing loss.
Why DBQ for Hearing Loss Improves Your VA Claim
A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for hearing loss is a critical document used by the VA to evaluate a veteran’s hearing condition for disability compensation. Completed by a licensed audiologist, it includes key diagnostic tools like the Puretone Audiometry and Maryland CNC speech tests, whose results are then applied to the VA hearing loss rating chart.
The DBQ also records relevant medical history, such as noise exposure or chronic ear infections, and describes how the condition impacts daily activities and employment. An accurate, complete DBQ for hearing disabilities increases your chances of receiving a fair rating or qualifying for secondary conditions or TDIU.
Hearing Loss and Tinnitus in Veterans
Hearing loss and tinnitus frequently affect veterans exposed to loud noises during military service. These conditions often occur together, with tinnitus, a persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, frequently resulting from hearing damage.
The VA evaluates hearing loss using audiometric tests that measure pure-tone thresholds and speech discrimination, usually rated from 0% to 100%. Veterans with hearing impairments in both ears (bilateral) may receive higher compensation, especially when tinnitus is also diagnosed. Importantly, the VA bases ratings on unaided hearing tests, so using hearing aids does not affect your disability percentage.
Tinnitus is rated separately under 38 CFR § 4.87, Diagnostic Code 6260, typically at a flat 10% VA disability rating due to its subjective nature.
When combined, ratings for hearing loss and tinnitus can significantly increase a veteran’s total VA disability compensation.
A VA study of 570,332 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans found that 7.8% were diagnosed with hearing loss, 6.5% with tinnitus, and 6.2% with both conditions.
| Feature | Hearing Loss | Tinnitus |
| Definition | Reduced ability to hear sounds | Ringing, buzzing, or hissing noise in ears |
| Cause | Noise exposure, aging, injury | Hearing damage, medications, stress |
| VA Rating | Based on hearing test results | Fixed 10% rating |
| Compensation | 0%-100% based on severity | Always 10% if service-connected |
| Treatment | Hearing aids, surgery | Sound therapy, lifestyle changes |
Proposed Changes to Tinnitus Ratings
In 2025, the tinnitus VA rating is undergoing major changes that will impact how veterans are compensated. Previously, veterans could receive a 10% standalone tinnitus VA disability rating, even without significant damage to ears.
Under the new rules, tinnitus will no longer be rated separately, but instead considered a symptom of another service-connected condition like hearing loss, Meniere’s disease, or a traumatic brain injury.
This means:
- If your VA disability rating for hearing loss and tinnitus is based on both conditions, you may no longer qualify for two separate ratings.
- Veterans with a 0% hearing loss VA rating might still qualify for a 10% tinnitus rating, as it is a related symptom.
- Existing ratings will be grandfathered in, so current recipients won’t lose benefits.
Filing before the changes ensures you may still qualify for the current tinnitus VA disability percentage of 10%. Consult with accredited veteran service organizations (VSOs) or legal professionals to receive guidance on how to navigate these changes effectively.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive?
If your hearing loss claim is approved, you will receive monthly compensation based on your VA disability rating. The higher your rating, the more financial support you will receive.
2025 VA Monthly Compensation Rates for Hearing Loss
- 0%: $0.00
- 10%: $175.51 (no additional amount for dependents)
- 20%: $346.95 (no additional amount for dependents)
- 30%: $537.42 (alone) → $703.42 (with spouse & parents)
- 40%: $774.16 → $995.16
- 50%: $1,102.04 → $1,378.04
- 60%: $1,395.93 → $1,727.93
- 70%: $1,759.19 → $2,148.19
- 80%: $2,044.89 → $2,488.89
- 90%: $2,297.96 → $2,797.96
- 100%: $3,831.30 → $4,387.79
Note: Ranges represent compensation from a single veteran (no dependents) up to a veteran with a spouse and two dependents.
Additional Monthly Compensation for Dependent Children
- Child under 18: $31.00 – $106.14 per month (based on veteran’s disability rating)
- Child 18–23 in school: $102.00 – $342.85 per month
- Aid & Attendance for spouse: $58.00 – $195.92 per month
To estimate potential compensation, veterans often use the VA hearing loss rating calculator or consult the official compensation tables. Know the complete details about VA disability pay rates here.
How to Qualify for TDIU Benefits for Hearing Loss
If your service-connected condition prevents you from working, you may qualify for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). For instance, if you work as a teacher and struggle to communicate effectively due to auditory impairment, you can explain this impact to the VA.
A veteran can qualify for TDIU in two ways:
- Schedular TDIU – Requires one disability rated at least 60% or two conditions totaling 70%, with one rated at least 40%.
- Extraschedular TDIU – For those who don’t meet schedular criteria but can prove their condition prevents them from maintaining substantially gainful employment.
Hearing loss ratings may help veterans qualify for TDIU benefits, even if combined with other service-connected conditions.
How to Win Your VA Hearing Loss Claim
Many veterans receive low ratings or denials due to the VA’s strict rating criteria. Here are some considerations for supporting your impairment history.
1. Get a Private Audiology Exam
A VA exam may sometimes underestimate the extent of hearing impairment, but a report from a private audiologist can provide additional evidence.
2. Request a Strong Nexus Letter
A nexus letter from a doctor connects your impaired hearing to your military service. It should state:
“It is at least as likely as not that the Veteran’s hearing loss was caused by military noise exposure.”
Request a professionally written, service-connected nexus letter from the trusted experts at Prestige Veteran. These reports are never required, but can be helpful in some circumstances. You may also be able to obtain one of these reports for little to no cost from your treating provider.
3. Submit Lay Statements
Statements from family members, coworkers, or friends can describe how your reduced ability to hear affects social interactions, work, and daily life.
4. Claim Tinnitus Alongside Hearing Loss
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is rated separately from hearing loss and is typically assigned a 10% rating. Many veterans with hearing loss also suffer from tinnitus and claiming both conditions together can help increase your overall disability compensation.
5. Consider Secondary Service Connection
If a service-connected condition worsened your hearing disorder, you might qualify for secondary service connection. Some Veterans develop hearing loss secondary to other service-connected conditions, such as:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Meniere’s Disease
- Chronic Ear Infections
- PTSD (stress-related hearing issues)
- Hypertension (causing nerve damage)
- Diabetes (linked to hearing problems)
Filing a secondary claim can increase the total disability rating. For example, if a veteran develops hearing loss secondary to chronic ear infection, they must show evidence of the following:
- A current medical diagnosis of hearing loss by a qualified healthcare professional
- A nexus opinion linking the secondary condition to the primary service-connected condition
6. Appeal a Low Rating
If the VA assigns a 0% or 10% rating despite severe symptoms, veterans can appeal the decision and submit additional medical evidence or request a higher-level review in some circumstances.
Additional VA Benefits for Hearing Loss
Veterans with service-connected ear disabilities may qualify for additional benefits beyond disability compensation.
- Free Hearing Aids and Accessories: Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare can receive free hearing aids, assistive devices, and batteries.
- Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E): If hearing difficulties affect employment, the VA provides job training, education, and counseling.
- Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K): Veterans with total deafness in both ears may qualify for SMC-K compensation, providing additional monthly payments.
- Healthcare Benefits: Veterans with hearing impairment can access specialized treatment, cochlear implants, and speech therapy through VA healthcare.
If your initial claim is denied or under-rated, don’t give up—seek assistance from a VA-accredited representative or attorney to maximize your benefits. As per the Appeals Modernization Act, you can either file a Supplemental Claim, request a Higher-Level Review, or pursue a Board Appeal to challenge the VA claim decision.
Case Study: Veteran Exposed to High Noise
Marcus R., U.S. Army (Infantry, 2002–2010)
After years of difficulty following conversations and coping with a persistent ringing in his ears, Marcus filed a VA disability claim in 2023. As an infantryman with multiple combat deployments and routine exposure to weapons fire, his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) carried a high risk of noise exposure.
During his Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam, his audiogram results showed a Puretone Average of 60 dB and a speech discrimination score of 70%. This placed his hearing loss in Category VI for the right ear and Category V for the left, earning him a 30% disability rating under VA Diagnostic Code 6100.
In addition, Marcus was granted a separate 10% rating for tinnitus, bringing his total combined VA disability rating to 40%, qualifying him for monthly compensation of $774.16.
Key Factors That Helped Marcus Win His Claim:
- His C&P exam included both required VA hearing tests (audiogram and speech discrimination).
- His MOS clearly supported high noise exposure.
- He submitted a strong nexus letter from a private audiologist linking his hearing loss to service.
- He filed for tinnitus along with hearing loss.
- His personal statement clearly described how his hearing issues impact daily life.
Marcus’s case is a great example of how preparation, documentation, and persistence can lead to a successful VA disability claim.
Final Thoughts
Winning VA disability claims for hearing loss can be challenging, but understanding the rating system and gathering strong evidence can significantly improve your chances. Whether you’re filing a new VA claim or appealing a low disability rating, being proactive and prepared is key. Don’t settle for an unfair evaluation—seek expert guidance, gather medical documentation, and explore additional benefits like TDIU or tinnitus compensation. With the right approach, you can maximize your VA benefits and get the support you deserve.
FAQs
What is the average VA compensation for hearing loss?
The average VA compensation for hearing loss typically falls between $175.51 (10% rating) and $537.42 (30% rating) per month in 2025, as most veterans with sensorineural hearing loss receive ratings within this range.
What are the VA criteria for hearing loss?
The VA evaluates hearing loss based on a Puretone Audiometry Test and the Maryland CNC Speech Discrimination Test, using a rating system under 38 CFR § 4.85, Diagnostic Code 6100 to assign disability compensation.
How do I prove my hearing loss to the VA?
Proving a hearing loss claim may get easier if you submit a current diagnosis from a VA-approved audiologist, evidence of in-service noise exposure, and a medical opinion linking the condition to military service.
How is a VA disability rating for hearing loss calculated?
The VA calculates hearing loss ratings by combining results from the Puretone Audiometry and Maryland CNC speech discrimination tests, then referencing a VA Hearing Loss Rating Chart to determine the final percentage.
At what point a veteran needs a hearing aid?
Hearing aids are usually recommended for mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss, though they may also be prescribed for more severe cases. Their use does not reduce a veteran’s VA disability rating since the VA evaluates hearing loss without assistive devices.
Are hearing loss and tinnitus connected?
Yes, hearing loss and tinnitus are strongly linked. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) often results from the same noise damage that causes hearing loss. Veterans frequently experience both conditions simultaneously, and they are typically evaluated separately for VA compensation.
What are the 5 levels of hearing loss?
While not explicitly outlined by the VA, it is often categorized into these five levels:
- Normal (0–25 dB)
- Mild (26–40 dB)
- Moderate (41–55 dB)
- Severe (56–70 dB)
- Profound (71+ dB)
The VA assigns ratings for the impairment from 0% to 100% based on how these levels impact functional hearing.
What is the VA disability rating for hearing loss and tinnitus?
Hearing loss is rated from 0% to 100% based on audiometric test results, while tinnitus typically receives a separate 10% rating, though this may change under 2025 regulations. Combining these two ratings can increase a veteran’s total compensation, especially for bilateral hearing loss.
Also read: Tinnitus and Veterans Disability
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Understanding the unique challenges veterans face, our commitment lies in delivering exceptional service and support.
Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.
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