Hearing loss VA disability rating schedule and test tables

The audiometric testing requirements

Under 38 CFR 4.85, a valid VA disability evaluation for hearing loss requires specific auditory examinations performed by a state-licensed audiologist. The veteran must be tested without hearing aids.

The examination involves two mandatory components:

1. Puretone audiometry and puretone threshold averages

The audiologist tests hearing thresholds across frequencies measured in Hertz (Hz). For VA rating purposes, four specific frequencies are measured in decibels (dB):

• 1000 Hz
• 2000 Hz
• 3000 Hz
• 4000 Hz

The hearing thresholds at these four specific frequencies are added together and divided by four to determine the Puretone Threshold Average (PTA) for each ear. For example, if a veteran has thresholds of 35 dB at 1000 Hz, 45 dB at 2000 Hz, 55 dB at 3000 Hz, and 65 dB at 4000 Hz, the sum is 200 dB. Dividing by four yields a PTA of 50 dB.

Under 38 CFR 4.86, two exceptional patterns of hearing impairment apply: (a) when the puretone threshold at each of the four specified frequencies (1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz) is 55 decibels or more, the rating specialist evaluates the ear under both Table VI and Table VIa and assigns whichever numeric designation is higher; and (b) when the puretone threshold is 30 decibels or less at 1000 Hz and 70 decibels or more at 2000 Hz, the numeric designation is determined from whichever table (Table VI or Table VIa) results in the higher numeral, and that numeral is then elevated to the next higher Roman numeral.

2. Maryland CNC speech discrimination test

Puretone audiometry measures the volume at which you hear sounds, but it does not measure how well you comprehend spoken language. For speech comprehension, the VA mandates the Maryland CNC (Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant) test.

The audiologist delivers a recorded list of 50 monosyllabic words at calibrated volume levels. The veteran repeats each word heard. The result is expressed as a percentage score from 0% to 100%. Maintaining high speech discrimination scores significantly influences the Roman numeral assigned to each ear.

Assigning Roman numerals with Table VI and Table VIa

Once testing is complete, the VA uses Table VI (“Numeric Designation of Hearing Impairment Based on Puretone Threshold Average and Speech Discrimination”) to assign a Roman numeral from I through XI to each ear.

Table VI features a grid:

• The horizontal rows reflect your Maryland CNC speech discrimination percentage in eight-point brackets (from 92% through 100% at the top down to 0% to 34% at the bottom).
• The vertical columns reflect your Puretone Threshold Average in decibels (ranging from 0-41 dB up to 98+ dB in Table VI, and up to 105+ dB in Table VIa).

Where your speech discrimination score and puretone average intersect, Table VI assigns a Roman numeral:

• Roman Numeral I represents normal or near-normal hearing.
• Roman Numeral XI represents profound hearing impairment.

If an audiologist certifies that speech discrimination testing is medically inappropriate—such as when severe language barriers exist or speech scores are clinically invalid—the VA uses Table VIa, which assigns Roman numerals based solely on the puretone threshold average.

Determining your final percentage with Table VII

With Roman numerals determined for both ears, the rating specialist turns to Table VII (“Percentage Evaluations for Hearing Impairment”).

Table VII is a cross-reference matrix:

• The horizontal rows represent the Roman numeral of the better ear (I through XI).
• The vertical columns represent the Roman numeral of the poorer ear (I through XI).

The intersection of these two values gives your final disability percentage:

• If both ears are Roman Numeral I: 0% rating.
• If the better ear is I and the poorer ear is II through IX: 0% rating.
• If the better ear is I and the poorer ear is X or XI: 10% rating.
• If the better ear is II and the poorer ear is V through XI (or if both ears are IV): 10% rating.
• If the better ear is III and the poorer ear is VII through XI (or if both ears are V): 20% rating.

At the 10% tier, a veteran without dependents receives $180.42 per month under the rate schedule effective 2025-12-01.

Why the bilateral factor does not apply

Normally, when a veteran has service-connected disabilities affecting paired extremities or paired skeletal muscles, the VA applies a 10% bilateral factor under 38 CFR 4.26 to increase the combined rating.

However, hearing loss is an explicit exception. The rating schedule in Table VII already incorporates the interaction of both ears into a single combined percentage. Therefore, no bilateral factor is added to hearing loss evaluations under DC 6100.

Why most hearing loss ratings are 0 percent or 10 percent

Veterans frequently express dismay that severe hearing difficulties result in a 0% noncompensable rating or a baseline 10% rating. Understanding the design of Table VII clarifies why this happens.

Human speech comprehension depends heavily on lower frequencies (500 Hz to 2000 Hz). Many military veterans suffer from sensorineural hearing loss caused by acoustic trauma from gunfire, jet engines, or artillery. This trauma typically damages high frequencies (3000 Hz to 8000 Hz) while leaving speech frequencies relatively intact.

Because a veteran can still score 80% to 90% on the Maryland CNC test when lower frequencies are preserved, Table VI assigns a low Roman numeral like I or II to each ear. On Table VII, an intersection of Roman Numeral I and II produces a 0% rating.

Even with a 0% rating, establishing service connection is critically important:

• It confirms that the military caused your hearing loss.
• It entitles you to free VA audiology care, including modern digital hearing aids, replacement batteries, and assistive listening devices.
• It establishes an official baseline. If your hearing deteriorates as you age, you can file for an increased evaluation based on new audiometric testing without having to prove service connection again.

Establishing service connection for hearing loss

To successfully claim hearing loss, you must show military noise exposure, a current diagnosis meeting VA thresholds, and a medical nexus connecting them.

Military occupational specialties and conceded noise exposure

Under Section V.iii.2.B.1.b of the M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual, VA adjudicators reference the Duty Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Noise Exposure Listing—an internal VA spreadsheet (dutymosnoise.xls) reviewed and endorsed by each branch of service—to evaluate each documented duty MOS, Air Force Specialty Code, rating, or duty assignment:

• High, moderate, or low probability of exposure: When the Duty MOS Noise Exposure Listing shows a duty position has a high, moderate, or low probability of hazardous noise exposure, the VA concedes exposure to hazardous noise for the purpose of establishing an event in service. Under Section V.iii.2.B.1.d, the VA provides the conceded probability level (high, moderate, or low) to the audiometric examiner in the examination request.
• Combat service (38 CFR 3.304(d)): When records establish that a veteran engaged in combat with the enemy in active service during a period of war, campaign, or expedition, the VA likewise concedes exposure to hazardous noise for the purpose of establishing an in-service event and includes that detail in the examination request.
• All available evidence: Section V.iii.2.B.1.b specifies that the Duty MOS Noise Exposure Listing is not an exclusive means of establishing in-service noise exposure; adjudicators evaluate hearing loss claims in light of the circumstances of service and all available evidence, including treatment records and examination results.

Pre-service vs post-service audiograms

During C&P evaluations, the examiner compares your entrance examination audiogram with your separation audiogram. If your military exit exam demonstrated a significant threshold shift compared to your enlistment physical, that documentation provides direct evidence of in-service auditory damage.

Recent regulatory updates and proposed rule RIN 2900-AQ72

In February 2022, the VA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (87 FR 8474, RIN 2900-AQ72) concerning the rating schedule for ear, nose, throat, and audiology conditions.

Under this proposed rule, the VA suggested eliminating the standalone 10% disability rating for tinnitus under Diagnostic Code 6260, instead treating tinnitus as an associated symptom subsumed under hearing loss or other underlying conditions. The proposal suggested that noncompensable hearing loss with documented tinnitus could qualify for a 10% evaluation under certain criteria.

However, RIN 2900-AQ72 has not been enacted as a final rule. Until the VA publishes a final rule with a formal effective date, the existing rating criteria under 38 CFR 4.85 and 38 CFR 4.87 remain fully in force. Veterans can continue to file claims for standalone tinnitus ratings alongside hearing loss claims.

Combining hearing loss with other claims and tracking back pay

Hearing loss ratings combine with your other service-connected conditions using whole-person VA math. You can verify how your hearing evaluation impacts your overall disability percentage using the VA combined rating calculator.

If you previously filed an intent to file or had a claim delayed through appeals, your effective date dictates the retroactive compensation due. You can calculate accrued payments using the VA back pay calculator.

Finding accredited representation

Navigating audiology data, Table VI and Table VII ratings, and service records can be complex. Veterans are strongly encouraged to work with accredited representatives rather than unvetted private companies that charge illicit fees.

Accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) from organizations like the DAV, VFW, and American Legion provide free claims assistance. Accredited attorneys and claims agents can assist with formal appeals before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. Always verify credentials through the official VA accreditation search directory.