Claiming Hearing Loss?
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VA Rating Tiers
100%
profound impairment
90%
audiogram determined 90
80%
audiogram determined 80
70%
audiogram determined 70
60%
audiogram determined 60
50%
severe impairment
40%
audiogram determined 40
30%
moderate impairment
20%
audiogram determined 20
10%
mild impairment
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›100%: Total deafness — determined by VA audiogram puretone average and speech recognition table. DC 6100.
- ›50%: Severe bilateral hearing loss — determined by VA audiogram Roman numeral table. DC 6100.
- ›30%: Moderate bilateral hearing loss — determined by audiogram results. DC 6100.
- ›10%: Mild bilateral hearing loss — final percentage set at C&P audiogram. DC 6100.
- ›0%: Hearing loss documented but below compensable threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›DC 6100: Hearing loss is rated using a VA conversion table based on puretone average (PTA) and speech recognition score.
- ›The VA uses Roman numeral categories (I–XI) for each ear, then cross-references them on a bilateral rating table.
- ›Valid VA percentages: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 — all determined by audiogram results.
- ›The AI estimate here is based on self-reported severity only — final rating depends on actual C&P audiogram.
- ›Intermediate ticks (20, 40, 60, 70, 80, 90%) appear on the slider for user adjustment but are audiogram-determined.
- ›Both ears are rated and combined — bilateral hearing loss is common and can yield significant ratings.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •VA rates hearing loss based on audiometric test results (puretone average and speech discrimination).
- •Noise exposure during service is a common basis for direct service connection.
- •Hearing aids use alone does not determine the rating — actual test results matter.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •enlistment audiogram (entry hearing test)
- •separation audiogram (exit hearing test)
- •records of noise exposure (MOS, deployment records)
- •sick call records mentioning hearing problems
Medical Evidence
- •current audiogram with puretone averages and speech discrimination scores
- •ENT or audiology evaluation
- •hearing aid prescription or fitting records
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •statement describing noise exposure during service
- •statement describing functional impact (asking people to repeat, TV volume, difficulty in crowds)
- •buddy statement confirming noise-heavy environment
Diagnostic Tests
- •puretone audiometry (audiogram)
- •speech recognition/discrimination testing
- •speech reception threshold (SRT)
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Audiology
Be ready to describe
- •types and duration of noise exposure during service
- •when hearing problems first appeared
- •how hearing loss affects work, relationships, and daily life
- •hearing aid use and whether it adequately corrects the problem
Prep notes
- •The audiologist will test both ears separately — describe each ear's symptoms honestly.
- •Don't try to 'pass' the hearing test — answer truthfully to what you actually hear.
- •Bring any prior audiograms, including military entrance/separation exams if you have them.
- •Describe your worst hearing difficulty, not just how you do on a good day.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 6100
- Category
- Hearing
- Subcategory
- Auditory
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 100%
Also Known As
hearing impairmenthard of hearingdecreased hearingbilateral hearing losssensorineural hearing loss
Related Conditions
Commonly leads to
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