Understanding VA Hearing Loss Ratings and Service Connection
When it comes to VA claims for hearing loss, one of the most important aspects to understand is how the VA evaluates and assigns disability ratings based on the severity of the condition. This process isn’t as subjective as some other types of claims — it relies heavily on data from audiometric tests and strict rating criteria.
Once service connection is confirmed, the VA uses a standardized chart to assign a disability percentage based on the results of hearing tests. The key components considered are the diagnosis, the severity of symptoms, and the medical nexus connecting the condition to military service. All three must be established to receive a rating.
A reputable VA claims law firm notes that claimants often encounter difficulty interpreting the rating chart. The system is very specific — it assesses measurable thresholds such as decibel loss and speech recognition scores. For example, if a veteran’s hearing test results fall within certain parameters on the chart, they may be assigned a 50% rating. However, most veterans receive 0% unless their scores clearly meet the outlined criteria.
The chart used by the VA is rigid. Even if a veteran is experiencing real-world difficulties hearing, if their audiometric scores don’t match the thresholds, the rating will reflect that. Veterans often feel discouraged by the scale, especially when it appears they’re being denied compensation for a condition that obviously affects their daily lives.
An example of such discouraging language can be found in VA decision letters, which might state, “There are no audiometric findings in your service treatment records that meet the above requirements.” Even if acoustic trauma during service is acknowledged, the language used — such as “may constitute injury of the ear” — is often non-committal. Words like “may” hold little weight in these cases and should not be misinterpreted as confirmation of service connection.
The same reputable VA claims law firm emphasizes that claimants need to understand the significance of terms like “link,” “nexus,” or any variation of those terms. They indicate the requirement for a medical opinion establishing a connection between military service and the current condition. Without this nexus, the claim is unlikely to be approved.
One of the common frustrations occurs when a veteran receives a decision letter stating that although military noise exposure is recognized, service connection for hearing loss (often for one ear) is denied due to a lack of “actual hearing loss” as defined by VA standards. This can be especially infuriating when the veteran feels they clearly suffer from the condition. The problem often lies in the lack of medical evidence meeting VA definitions.
The reality is, many first-time claimants feel deeply disappointed when they receive their decision letters. After months of waiting, many feel dismissed by the vague or contradictory language. It’s important in these moments to take a step back. A reputable VA claims law firm recommends setting the letter aside initially, then revisiting it with a clear mind to fully understand its contents.
One powerful strategy is learning to remove personal emotions from the equation when reviewing VA correspondence. These letters often contain language that appears to toy with expectations — recognizing certain facts while still denying claims. It’s part of a broader tactic that can frustrate veterans into giving up. But once a claimant decides to engage seriously with the process and appeals rather than walking away, the dynamic can shift.
Many who successfully pursue claims attribute their success to changing their mindset. They refuse to let the VA’s language and delays discourage them. They choose to educate themselves, appeal decisions, and persist until a fair rating is secured. A reputable VA claims law firm can assist in this process, but the first step is for the veteran to commit to fighting for their deserved benefits.
VA Hearing Loss Rating Chart:
To view the VA hearing loss rating chart used in claims decisions, please refer to the official chart here:
View the VA Rating Chart for Hearing Loss
2024 VA Hearing Loss Compensation Tables Explained
Summary of Key Points
- VA Ratings and Compensation for Hearing Loss: VA ratings for hearing loss range from 0% to 100% with breaks at 10% increments. VA compensation tables for hearing loss range from non-compensable at the 0% rating to a minimum of $3,737.85 per month at the 100% rating for total deafness in both ears. Hearing Loss is the #2 most claimed VA disability right now just behind Tinnitus (ringing in your ears) at #1.
- Service Connection for Hearing Loss: Getting your hearing loss service-connected can be tough, especially if you’ve been out of the service for more than one year. Veterans should consider direct service connection, secondary service connection, or aggravation of a pre-service disability.
- VA Rating Process for Hearing Loss: The process involves using an audiogram to measure hearing impairment, which includes tests such as the Maryland CNC and puretone audiometry. The results from these tests are then used in conjunction with VA tables to determine the Roman numeral designation for each ear, which ultimately influences the final VA rating.
2024 VA Hearing Loss Compensation Tables
Here are the 2024 VA compensation rates for hearing loss for a veteran alone, adjusted for a 3.2% COLA increase:
- 0%: Non-compensable at $0 per month
- 10%: $171.23 per month
- 20%: $338.49 per month
- 30%: $524.31 per month
- 40%: $755.28 per month
- 50%: $1,075.16 per month
- 60%: $1,361.88 per month
- 70%: $1,716.28 per month
- 80%: $1,995.01 per month
- 90%: $2,241.91 per month
- 100%: $3,737.85 per month
These rates reflect the monthly tax-free benefits a veteran with no dependents can expect to receive based on their VA disability rating.
Note: Your monthly pay rate will be even higher with dependents.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Loss in Veterans
Hearing Loss is defined by one of three types:
- Conductive (involves outer or middle ear).
- Sensorineural (involves inner ear).
- Mixed (combination of the two).
Aging and chronic exposure to loud noises (e.g., aircraft flight lines, gun ranges, heavy equipment) most contribute to Hearing Loss in veterans.
Symptoms of hearing loss in veterans may include:
- Muffling of speech and other sounds.
- Trouble understanding words, especially when in a crowd or a noisy place.
- Trouble hearing the letters of the alphabet that aren’t vowels.
- Often asking others to speak more slowly, clearly, and loudly.
- Needing to turn up the volume of the television or radio.
- Staying clear of some social settings.
- Being bothered by background noise.
- Ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus.
VA Service Connection for Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is difficult to get service connected, especially if you’ve been out of the military for more than 12 months.
There are the three main ways veterans can get service connected for Hearing Loss:
- #1: Direct Service Connection for Hearing Loss with a rating of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%; however, the average VA rating for Hearing Loss is 10%, and many veterans have a 0% rating, if they’re lucky enough to get their Hearing Loss service connected. Direct Service Connection means an in-service event, injury, or disease related to your military service caused you to develop Hearing Loss.
- #2: Secondary Service Connection for Hearing Loss with a VA rating of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%. This is uncommon, however, as Hearing Loss is mainly directly service connected.
- #3. Aggravation of a Pre-Service Disability for Hearing Loss. Perhaps you entered active duty service with minor Hearing Loss, but the military made it worse. If your military service “aggravated” the condition beyond its natural progression, you can get Hearing Loss service connected and rated based on aggravation of a pre-service disability.
Pro Tip: If you’ve been out of the military for more than 12 months, Hearing Loss is one of the most difficult claims to get service connected and rated above 0%. Get a Medical Nexus Letter to improve your odds of service connected Hearing Loss. Do you need a Nexus Letter for Hearing Loss?
How Does the VA Rate Hearing Loss?
Hearing Loss is the #2 most claimed VA disability right now just behind Tinnitus (ringing in your ears) at #1.
The VA rates Hearing Loss under CFR Title 38, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities, DC 6100, Hearing Loss.
VA Ratings for Hearing Loss range from 0 percent to 100 percent, with breaks at 10 percent, 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, and 90 percent although the average VA rating for Hearing Loss is 10 percent, and many veterans have a 0 percent rating.
The highest scheduler rating for Hearing Loss is 100 percent, which means you have total deafness in both ears.
What is the Hearing Test for VA Disability?
The hearing test for VA disability involves an audiogram, which includes (#1) A controlled speech discrimination test (Maryland CNC) and (#2) A puretone audiometry test without the use of hearing aids.
VA Ratings for Hearing Loss are based on the hearing ability of BOTH ears.
Each ear is not rated separately and only one rating can be given for both ears.
Even if an ear has no Hearing Loss, it’s still used to determine the overall disability that results from hearing loss for both ears.
How Does the VA Determine My Hearing Loss VA Rating?
Hearing loss VA ratings are determined by following a 2-step process with multiple parts in each step along with 3-tables to help you cross reference each ear including the best and worst ear.
In step one, you can expect:
- Controlled Speech Discrimination Test (Maryland CNC) – This test measures how well you can understand speech in a controlled environment. The Maryland CNC test doesn’t contain “questions” in the traditional sense. Instead, it comprises a list of 50 phonetically balanced monosyllabic words that are used to assess speech discrimination. Here are some examples of the types of words that might be included in a Maryland CNC test: Words like “ask,” “bat,” “seat,” “dip,” “love,” “shoe,” etc. You’ll be asked to repeat the word you heard back to the examiner.
- Puretone Audiometry Test – This test determines the softest tones you can hear at different pitches and volumes, performed without the use of hearing aids.
In step two, you can expect:
- Percent of Speech Discrimination (measured by the Maryland CNC test), displayed in horizontal rows.
- Puretone Threshold Average (PTA), displayed in vertical columns.
The complete process is explained in detail below.
Step-by-Step Process Used to Determine Your VA Rating for Hearing Loss:
- Step #1: First, a C&P exam for Hearing Loss must be conducted by a state-licensed audiologist and must include (#1) A controlled speech discrimination test (Maryland CNC) AND (#2) A puretone audiometry test without the use of hearing aids.
- Step #2: Second, Using Table #1 below, “Numeric Designation of Hearing Impairment Based on Puretone Threshold Average and Speech Discrimination Percentage,” assign a Roman numeral designation (I through XI) for Hearing Loss based on a combination of the percent of Speech Discrimination (horizontal rows) and the Puretone Threshold Average (PTA) (vertical columns). The appropriate Roman numeral is located at the point where the percentage of Speech Discrimination and Puretone Threshold Average intersect.
Note: If both tests have been performed, then use the following table to determine the Roman numerals. This should be repated twice, once for each ear. Find the result for the Speech Discrimination test and the Puretone Threshold Average (PTA) for a single ear to find the Roman numeral for that ear. For example, if the puretone test result is 65, and the speech test result is 82%, then the Roman numeral for this ear would be IV.
Table #1: Numeric Designation of Hearing Impairment Based on Speech Discrimination Percentage and Puretone Threshold Average (PTA)
| Speech Discrimination Percentage | PTA: 0-41 | PTA: 42-49 | PTA: 50-57 | PTA: 58-65 | PTA: 66-73 | PTA: 74-81 | PTA: 82-89 | PTA: 90-97 | PTA: 98+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92-100% | I | I | I | II | II | II | III | III | IV |
| 84-90% | II | II | II | III | III | III | IV | IV | IV |
| 76-82% | III | III | IV | IV | IV | V | V | V | V |
| 68-74% | IV | IV | V | V | VI | VI | VII | VII | VII |
| 60-66% | V | V | VI | VI | VII | VII | VIII | VIII | VIII |
| 52-58% | VI | VI | VII | VII | VIII | VIII | VIII | VIII | IX |
| 44-50% | VII | VII | VIII | VIII | VIII | IX | IX | IX | X |
| 36-42% | VIII | VIII | VIII | IX | IX | IX | X | X | X |
| 0-34% | IX | X | XI | XI | XI | XI | XI | XI | XI |
Once a Roman numeral is assigned to each ear, the appropriate VA disability for Hearing Loss can be found using Table #2 below.
- First, find the Roman numeral for the ear that hears the best (the one with the smaller Roman numeral), the VA calls this “the better ear” for VA rating purposes.
- Second, find the Roman numeral of the ear that hears the worst (the one with the bigger Roman numeral), the VA calls this “the poorer ear” for VA rating purposes.
- Lastly, a veteran’s final VA rating for Hearing Loss can be found in the intersecting box of these two Roman numerals.
For example, if the best ear has a Roman numeral of II, and the worst ear has a Roman numeral of V, then the appropriate Hearing Loss VA Rating is 10%.
As you can see from the chart, it’s very difficult to get above a 10% VA rating for Hearing Loss.
Table #2: The VA Hearing Loss Rating Chart
| Hearing Loss VA Rating Chart | Worst Ear: I | Worst Ear: II | Worst Ear: III | Worst Ear: IV | Worst Ear: V | Worst Ear: VI | Worst Ear: VII | Worst Ear: VIII | Worst Ear: IX | Worst Ear: X | Worst Ear: XI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Ear: I | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 10% | 10% |
| Best Ear: II | 0% | 0% | 0% | 10% | 10% | 10% | 10% | 10% | 10% | 10% | |
| Best Ear: III | 0% | 10% | 10% | 10% | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% | ||
| Best Ear: IV | 10% | 10% | 20% | 20% | 20% | 30% | 30% | 30% | |||
| Best Ear: V | 20% | 20% | 30% | 30% | 40% | 40% | 40% | ||||
| Best Ear: VI | 30% | 30% | 40% | 40% | 50% | 50% | |||||
| Best Ear: VII | 40% | 40% | 50% | 60% | 60% | ||||||
| Best Ear: VIII | 50% | 50% | 60% | 70% | |||||||
| Best Ear: IX | 60% | 70% | 80% | ||||||||
| Best Ear: X | 80% | 90% | |||||||||
| Best Ear: XI | 100% |
According to the VA Hearing Loss Compensation Tables above, at the 20% VA disability rating for Hearing Loss (worth $338.49 per month in 2024), you’d have a IV in your Best Ear and VI in your Worst Ear or a V in your Best Ear and a V in your Worst Ear.
Table #3: Numeric Designation of Hearing Impairment Based Only on Puretone Threshold Average (PTA)
| Puretone Threshold Average (PTA) | 0-41 | 42-48 | 49-55 | 56-62 | 63-69 | 70-76 | 77-83 | 84-90 | 91-97 | 98-104 | 105+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Numeral | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X | XI |
Note A: If a speech discrimination test was not performed by an audiologist, then a Roman numeral is assigned to each ear based on Table #3 above. Similarily, if tests were not performed on an ear, it is assumed that the ear has perfect hearing, and is assigned a Roman numeral of I (0% VA rating for Hearing Loss).
Note B: “Puretone Threshold Average” or PTA as used in Tables 1 and 3, is the sum of the puretone thresholds at 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 and 4,000 Hertz, divided by four. This average is used in all cases to determine the Roman numeral designation for hearing impairment from Table 1 or 3.
Note C: If Hearing Loss is service-connected in only one ear, in order to determine the percentage evaluation from Table 3, the ear with either perfect hearing or (non-service connected Hearing Loss) will be assigned the Roman numeral I.
Disclaimer:
The content in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. While it is based on real claims processes and terminology used by the Department of Veterans Affairs, portions of this content may reflect opinionated perspectives regarding the VA claims system and its practices. Individual cases may vary, and it is recommended to consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.
