Reference: 38 CFR 4.85-4.87

Sources & Related Guides

What is the VA rating for Hearing Loss?

Compare your hearing loss records against Tables VI, VIa, and VII, the two exceptional-pattern provisions for unusual audiogram results, and the SS3.383(a)(3) unilateral-hearing-loss exception for single-ear service connection.

Condition Overview & Clinical Scope

Hearing loss (DC 6100) is rated by looking up each ear's puretone threshold average and speech discrimination score in Table VI (or Table VIa, when the discrimination test isn't appropriate), then combining both ears' results in Table VII to get a single percentage. Two exceptional-pattern provisions under 38 CFR 4.86 can change which table applies, or elevate the result, for certain unusual audiogram patterns. A separate exception for unilateral hearing loss (38 CFR 3.383) is also automated; see 'What happens when only one ear is service-connected' below.

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Common Questions & FAQs

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What are you trying to understand about hearing loss?

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Overview

About this condition

Hearing loss (DC 6100) is rated by looking up each ear's puretone threshold average and speech discrimination score in Table VI (or Table VIa, when the discrimination test isn't appropriate), then combining both ears' results in Table VII to get a single percentage. Two exceptional-pattern provisions under 38 CFR 4.86 can change which table applies, or elevate the result, for certain unusual audiogram patterns. A separate exception for unilateral hearing loss (38 CFR 3.383) is also automated; see 'What happens when only one ear is service-connected' below.

Regulatory authority: 38 CFR 4.85-4.86, DC 6100

This guide is educational only. RatingScope does not diagnose hearing loss, does not infer missing audiometric measurements, does not determine service connection, and does not predict a VA decision.

Percentage Guides

Understanding Your Percentage

Select a pathway to see what the published criteria ask about, what records may clarify it, and what should not be assumed.

0%

Next: 10%

Both ears resolve to a mild enough Table VI/VIa numeral that Table VII's combination lands at 0%.

What separates the next level: Higher percentages require a worse Roman numeral designation in at least one ear, not simply 'worse symptoms' without a documented threshold change.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
Table VII (38 CFR 4.85(e)) lists 0 percent for several combinations of mild Roman numeral designations between the two ears, for example both ears at Numeral I, II, or III.
Qualification explanation
A 0% result under Table VII still means the puretone thresholds and speech discrimination were resolved into specific Roman numerals for each ear. It is a genuine matched result, not a missing-evidence state.
Examples
Both ears show puretone thresholds and discrimination scores that resolve to Numeral I, II, or III.; A mild, roughly symmetric hearing loss pattern in both ears.
Medical evidence
Audiogram with puretone thresholds at 1000/2000/3000/4000 Hz per ear; Maryland CNC speech discrimination score per ear
Functional impact examples
Real difficulty following conversation in noisy environments can exist even at this level.; A 0% Table VII result does not mean hearing is unaffected, only that this specific route does not reach a compensable percentage.
Common misconceptions
A 0% level does not mean no hearing loss is documented, only that the two ears' combination does not reach a compensable percentage under Table VII.; Subjective difficulty hearing is not the same as a Table VI/VIa numeral. The actual thresholds and discrimination score are what the table uses.
Related topics
Table VI; Table VII; puretone threshold average
Source context
38 CFR 4.85; 6100; Current DC 6100 public path; proposed AQ72 revisions excluded.

10%

Next: 20%

A somewhat greater hearing-loss difference or severity between the two ears resolves to 10% under Table VII.

What separates the next level: Higher percentages require the poorer ear (or both ears) to resolve to a higher Roman numeral under Table VI or VIa.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
Table VII lists 10 percent for a range of Roman-numeral combinations where the poorer ear is moderately worse than the better ear, for example a better ear at Numeral I paired with a poorer ear at Numeral X or XI.
Qualification explanation
The specific combination of numerals, not just 'moderate hearing loss' in general terms, determines whether a case resolves here.
Examples
One ear tests at Numeral I or II while the other tests significantly worse.; Both ears show mild-to-moderate thresholds that combine to this level.
Medical evidence
Audiogram with puretone thresholds per ear; Maryland CNC speech discrimination score per ear
Functional impact examples
Difficulty in group conversations or with background noise can be present at this level.; A hearing aid may already be in use even at a 10% Table VII result.
Common misconceptions
A 10% result does not mean both ears are equally affected. It can reflect one ear being substantially worse than the other.
Related topics
Table VII; puretone threshold average; speech discrimination
Source context
38 CFR 4.85; 6100; Current DC 6100 public path; proposed AQ72 revisions excluded.

50%

Next: 60%

A mid-range severity level reached when both ears show substantial hearing loss, or one ear is severely affected.

What separates the next level: Higher percentages require both ears (or the poorer ear specifically) to resolve to a more severe Roman numeral.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
Table VII lists 50 percent for several combinations where both ears are significantly affected. Table VII itself is published as a grid, not linear text, so RatingScope confirms specific cells against real applications of the table rather than an unrenderable image copy: two separately-decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases confirm a Numeral VII/Numeral IX pairing and a Numeral VIII/Numeral IX pairing both reach 50 percent (Citation Nr: A23004966; Citation Nr: 22005395).
Qualification explanation
This is a mid-range severity level under Table VII's grid, reached only through the documented puretone/discrimination combination for both ears.
Examples
One ear resolves to Numeral VII and the other to Numeral IX.; One ear resolves to Numeral VIII and the other to Numeral IX.
Medical evidence
Audiogram with puretone thresholds per ear; Maryland CNC speech discrimination score per ear
Functional impact examples
Substantial difficulty following conversation without visual cues or hearing assistance.; Hearing aids are commonly in use at this level, though the CFR criteria depend on the threshold/discrimination findings, not device use itself.
Common misconceptions
Wearing hearing aids does not itself determine the percentage. The underlying threshold and discrimination findings do.
Related topics
Table VII; exceptional patterns
Source context
38 CFR 4.85; 6100; Current DC 6100 public path; proposed AQ72 revisions excluded.

100%

Highest listed pathway

The highest level, reached only when both ears independently resolve to the most severe Table VI/VIa designation, Numeral XI.

What separates the next level: This is the maximum DC 6100 evaluation; there is no higher tier under Table VII.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
Table VII lists 100 percent only for the combination of Numeral XI in both the better and poorer ear.
Qualification explanation
This is the single most severe cell in Table VII's grid: both ears must independently reach Numeral XI, the worst designation either table produces.
Examples
Both ears show puretone thresholds and discrimination scores at the most severe end of Tables VI/VIa.; One or both ears meet an exceptional pattern under 38 CFR 4.86 that elevates the numeral to XI.
Medical evidence
Audiogram with puretone thresholds per ear; Maryland CNC speech discrimination score per ear
Functional impact examples
Severe to profound hearing loss in both ears with substantial functional impact on communication.
Common misconceptions
This level requires both ears to independently reach the most severe designation. A single profoundly affected ear paired with a mild better ear does not reach 100% under Table VII.
Related topics
Table VII; Table VIa; exceptional patterns
Source context
38 CFR 4.85; 6100; Current DC 6100 public path; proposed AQ72 revisions excluded.

Diagnostic Code 6100 tables tool

See how Tables VI, VIa, and VII combine your audiogram

Hearing loss is evaluated by looking up each ear's puretone threshold average and speech discrimination score in Table VI (or Table VIa, if the discrimination test wasn't appropriate), then combining both ears' results in Table VII. Enter documented puretone thresholds (in decibels, at 1000/2000/3000/4000 Hz) and speech discrimination scores for each ear to see how they combine. This is an informational comparison, not a submission. Nothing entered here is saved or sent anywhere.

Left ear

Right ear

Left ear numeral (Tables VI / VIa)

–

Enter all four puretone thresholds to resolve this ear.

Right ear numeral (Tables VI / VIa)

–

Enter all four puretone thresholds to resolve this ear.

Combined result (Table VII)

–

Resolve both ears above to see the combined Table VII percentage.

This tool always treats both ears as if service-connected. If only one ear is actually service-connected, the current regulation (38 CFR 4.85(f)) generally assigns the other ear a flat Numeral I instead of its own actual result. An exception to that default exists (38 CFR 3.383) but is not reflected in this tool. This comparison covers only Tables VI/VIa/VII and the two 38 CFR 4.86 exceptional-pattern provisions; it does not include combined-rating math with any other disability.

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Learn

Understand the details behind the criteria

Use these short guides to connect published terms with the records and observations that may clarify them.

How an audiogram feeds into the hearing loss tables

Two measurements per ear drive the entire DC 6100 evaluation: puretone thresholds at four frequencies, and a speech discrimination score.

  • Puretone thresholds are measured in decibels at 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hertz for each ear.
  • The puretone threshold average is the sum of those four thresholds divided by four.
  • Speech discrimination (Maryland CNC) is a percentage score measuring how well words are understood, not just whether tones are heard.
  • Both measurements come from a controlled exam conducted by a state-licensed audiologist, without hearing aids in use during testing.

Records to review: Audiogram; Maryland CNC speech discrimination test.

How Tables VI, VIa, and VII combine

Table VI or VIa converts each ear's measurements into a Roman numeral (I through XI); Table VII then converts both ears' numerals into a single percentage.

  • Table VI uses both the puretone threshold average and the speech discrimination percentage for an ear.
  • Table VIa uses only the puretone threshold average, and applies when the examiner certifies the discrimination test isn't appropriate (for example, due to language difficulties or inconsistent scores).
  • Table VII takes the better ear's numeral and the poorer ear's numeral and looks up the combined percentage. The poorer ear can never outrank the better ear in this lookup.
  • If only one ear is service-connected, the other ear defaults to Numeral I under the baseline rule, unless the unilateral-hearing-loss exception applies; see the unilateral hearing loss note.

Records to review: Audiogram; Maryland CNC speech discrimination test.

The two exceptional patterns of hearing impairment

38 CFR 4.86 describes two unusual audiogram patterns that change which table applies, or add an extra elevation step, evaluated separately for each ear.

  • Pattern (a): when all four tested frequencies (1000/2000/3000/4000 Hz) are 55 decibels or more, the rating uses whichever of Table VI or Table VIa gives the higher numeral.
  • Pattern (b): when 1000 Hz is 30 decibels or less AND 2000 Hz is 70 decibels or more, the rating uses whichever of Table VI or Table VIa gives the higher numeral, THEN elevates that numeral one further step.
  • Both patterns are evaluated independently for each ear. One ear can trigger a pattern while the other does not.

Records to review: Audiogram showing individual frequency thresholds, not just the average.

What happens when only one ear is service-connected

The baseline rule assigns Numeral I to a non-service-connected ear, unless a more favorable exception applies.

  • 38 CFR 4.85(f): if hearing loss is service-connected in only one ear, the non-service-connected ear is assigned Numeral I for the Table VII lookup, subject to 38 CFR 3.383.
  • 38 CFR 3.383(a)(3): when the service-connected ear is independently ratable at 10% or more, and the non-service-connected ear independently meets 38 CFR 3.385's own hearing-disability threshold, the non-service-connected ear's actual (worse) numeral may be used instead of Numeral I.
  • This hub and its underlying evaluator apply this exception automatically: if the service-connected ear's own result reaches 10 percent or more, the non-service-connected ear's puretone thresholds (including 500 Hz, needed only for this check) and speech discrimination score are used to check 38 CFR 3.385, and that ear's actual numeral is used instead of Numeral I when the exception applies.

Records to review: Audiogram for both ears; documentation of which ear(s) are service-connected.

Measurement Guide

How hearing loss findings are measured

Measurements should come from an audiogram conducted by a state-licensed audiologist. RatingScope does not estimate thresholds or discrimination scores from symptoms.

Puretone thresholds

The quietest volume, in decibels, at which a pure tone is heard at each of four specific frequencies.

Normal reference: Measured at 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hertz for each ear.

Why it matters: The average of these four values is the puretone threshold average used in Tables VI and VIa, and the individual values are used for the 38 CFR 4.86 exceptional-pattern checks.

Speech discrimination (Maryland CNC)

The percentage of words correctly repeated back during a controlled speech test.

Normal reference: Reported as a percentage for each ear.

Why it matters: Table VI combines this score with the puretone threshold average; Table VIa is used instead when the examiner certifies this test isn't appropriate.

How an examination adds context

No hearing aids during testing
Examinations are conducted without the use of hearing aids, per 38 CFR 4.85(a).
Each ear evaluated separately
Both the Table VI/VIa lookup and the 38 CFR 4.86 exceptional-pattern checks are done independently for each ear before Table VII combines the two results.

Evidence

Evidence that may clarify the published criteria

Audiogram / Hearing exam findings

Documents puretone thresholds at each tested frequency and the speech discrimination score for each ear.

An audiogram is useful context, but RatingScope does not require uploads and this hub does not accept records.

Diagnosis and treatment records

Treatment notes can show hearing aid use, ENT evaluations, and clinician observations over time.

Treatment history alone does not identify the puretone or discrimination values Table VI/VII require.

Personal and firsthand lay evidence

Plain descriptions can explain communication difficulty, use of hearing aids or assistive devices, and functional impact.

Lay evidence can describe observed impact, but it should not invent measurements the audiogram doesn't document.

Official VA Forms & DBQs

Downloadable DBQs & Supporting Claim Forms

Take the public DBQ to your private physician or review it prior to your C&P examination.

Terminology

Plain-English terms

Puretone threshold average

A single average number summarizing how loud a tone needs to be, on average, across four pitches, before it's heard.

38 CFR 4.85(d) defines this average, which is used as the column value in both Table VI and Table VIa.

audiogram

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Speech discrimination (Maryland CNC)

How well words are actually understood, as a percentage.

Table VI combines this score with the puretone threshold average; Table VIa is used instead when this test is certified as not appropriate.

audiogram

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Exceptional pattern of hearing impairment

An unusual hearing-loss pattern that gets special handling instead of the ordinary Table VI lookup.

38 CFR 4.86(a) and (b) describe the two patterns; both are evaluated separately for each ear.

audiogram showing individual frequency thresholds

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Roman numeral designation

A letter-grade-like severity label for one ear's hearing, from I (best) to XI (worst).

Table VII combines both ears' Roman numeral designations into the final DC 6100 percentage.

audiogram

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Hearing loss (DC 6100)

Hearing loss, including hearing loss described as deafness, is rated under this hub's DC 6100 tables rather than a separate code.

The specific audiometric measurements, not the word used to describe the hearing loss, determine the published percentage tier.

audiogram

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TDIU

Even if the schedular rating for Hearing Loss does not reach 100 percent, TDIU may still provide a pathway to compensation at the 100 percent rate, based on unemployability from this and/or other service-connected disabilities combined.

A lower schedular percentage does not by itself foreclose TDIU eligibility -- this hub computes only the schedular percentage for this specific condition and does not determine TDIU eligibility.

Employment history; vocational impact documentation; occupational impairment

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Common Questions

Questions veterans commonly ask

How is my hearing loss percentage determined?

Each ear's puretone threshold average and speech discrimination score (or the average alone, under Table VIa) is looked up in a table to get a Roman numeral from I to XI. Table VII then combines both ears' numerals into a single percentage from 0% to 100%.

What if my speech discrimination test wasn't appropriate?

38 CFR 4.85(c) allows Table VIa to be used instead of Table VI when the examiner certifies the discrimination test isn't appropriate, for example due to language difficulties or inconsistent scores. Table VIa uses only the puretone threshold average.

What are the exceptional patterns of hearing impairment?

38 CFR 4.86 describes two unusual audiogram patterns, evaluated separately for each ear: (a) all four tested frequencies at 55 decibels or more, which uses whichever of Table VI or Table VIa gives the higher numeral; and (b) 1000 Hz at 30 decibels or less with 2000 Hz at 70 decibels or more, which does the same comparison and then elevates the result one further step.

What happens if only one ear is service-connected?

The baseline rule (38 CFR 4.85(f)) assigns the non-service-connected ear a flat Numeral I. A separate exception (38 CFR 3.383(a)(3)) allows that ear's actual numeral to be used instead, when the service-connected ear's own result reaches 10 percent or more and the non-service-connected ear independently meets 38 CFR 3.385's disability threshold -- this hub and its underlying evaluator apply this exception automatically.

Is DC 6260 (Tinnitus) part of this hub?

No. Tinnitus is a separate diagnostic code with its own hub. This Hearing Loss hub covers DC 6100 (auditory threshold hearing loss) only.

Is this an active RatingScope assessment?

No. This Hearing Loss hub is educational only. Do not enter hearing loss findings into another condition's assessment.

If my schedular rating for Hearing Loss is below 100%, can I still be compensated at the 100% rate?

Possibly, through TDIU (Total Disability rating based on Individual Unemployability, 38 CFR 4.16) -- a separate pathway to 100 percent compensation based on unemployability, from this and/or other service-connected disabilities combined, independent of whether the schedular rating itself reaches 100 percent. This hub computes only the schedular percentage and does not determine TDIU eligibility.

What separates the 0% rating from adjacent levels?

Higher percentages require a worse Roman numeral designation in at least one ear, not simply 'worse symptoms' without a documented threshold change.

What separates the 10% rating from adjacent levels?

Higher percentages require the poorer ear (or both ears) to resolve to a higher Roman numeral under Table VI or VIa.

What separates the 50% rating from adjacent levels?

Higher percentages require both ears (or the poorer ear specifically) to resolve to a more severe Roman numeral.

What separates the 100% rating from adjacent levels?

This is the maximum DC 6100 evaluation; there is no higher tier under Table VII.

Related Conditions

Continue learning through connected topics

Diseases of the Cranial Nerves

38 CFR 4.124a's own header note routes cranial nerve VIII (vestibulocochlear) to the Organs of Special Sense (this hub) rather than to the Cranial Nerves hub, which covers only the remaining 6 nerves.

Eye Conditions

Eye Conditions is the other Organs of Special Sense hub routed here by the same 38 CFR 4.124a header note, covering cranial nerves I, II, III, IV, and VI where this hub covers cranial nerve VIII.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus (DC 6260) is a separate, already-active hub that can coexist with hearing loss but uses its own criteria and does not combine with DC 6100 in every case.

Peripheral Vestibular Disorders and Meniere's Syndrome

DC 6205 (Meniere's syndrome), 38 CFR 4.87, carries a Note stating: 'Evaluate Meniere's syndrome either under these criteria or by separately evaluating vertigo (as a peripheral vestibular disorder), hearing impairment, and tinnitus, whichever method results in a higher overall evaluation. But do not combine an evaluation for hearing impairment, tinnitus, or vertigo with an evaluation under diagnostic code 6205.' If a DC 6205 rating applies, a separate DC 6100 hearing-loss rating does not combine with it -- see the Peripheral Vestibular Disorders and Meniere's Syndrome hub for the full alternate-path mechanism.

Claims Process

Claims Process explains C&P exams, evidence categories, decision letters, and claim-stage context.

Combined Ratings

If more than one condition is involved, combined-rating math is educational context and does not simply add percentages.

Ready when you are

Compare documented hearing loss findings

Use the puretone threshold, speech discrimination, and service-connected-ear language already documented in your records. Do not upload records or enter Social Security numbers, claim numbers, full dates of birth, or other sensitive identifiers. RatingScope does not infer missing findings.

Informational guidance only. RatingScope does not predict, decide, or guarantee VA outcomes.

Compare my hearing loss records

Learn More

Continue Understanding

RatingScope resource

Claims Process - C&P exams

Educational context for what a C&P exam is and how exam evidence is organized.

Open Claims Process - C&P exams

RatingScope resource

Tinnitus guide

A separate, already-active hub for DC 6260 tinnitus.

Open Tinnitus guide

Secondary conditions

Conditions commonly connected to Hearing Loss

No commonly documented secondary connections are tracked for Hearing Loss yet.

Educational Guides & Evidence Resources

In-depth analysis of DBQ forms, medical evidence thresholds, and rating schedules for Hearing Loss.

How VA Rates Hearing Loss: DC 6100 Puretone Thresholds and Speech Discrimination Guide

Learn how the VA evaluates hearing impairment under 38 CFR 4.85 (DC 6100) using puretone audiometry thresholds, CNC speech discrimination, and Table VII.

Tinnitus vs. Hearing Loss: VA Rating Differences, Audiograms, and Combined Claims

Understand how the VA rates tinnitus versus hearing loss, audiogram speech discrimination tests, and how to claim both conditions together.

How VA Rates Vertigo and Meniere's Disease: DC 6204 & DC 6205 Guide

Learn how the VA rates vertigo, dizziness, and Meniere's disease under 38 CFR 4.87, Diagnostic Codes 6204 and 6205, staggering gait, and pyramiding rules.

Special Monthly Compensation SMC-K: Creative Organ and Extremity Guide

Understand VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) under 38 CFR 3.350 for loss of use of a creative organ, extremity, eye, or severe hearing loss.

How VA Rates Tinnitus: 10% Standalone Rule and Secondary Connections

Learn how the VA evaluates recurrent subjective tinnitus under 38 CFR 4.87 (DC 6260) using a flat 10 percent rating.

VA M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual: What It Is and How VA Uses It

Learn what the VA M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual is, how VA personnel use it to develop claims, how it differs from binding 38 CFR regulations, and why it matters.

What Benefits Change at Each VA Disability Rating?

See which federal benefits are tied to specific rating thresholds, from health care priority groups to education and VR&E programs.

SMC-M, SMC-N, and SMC-O Explained: 38 CFR 3.350 Anatomical Combinations

Understand VA Special Monthly Compensation Levels M, N, and O under 38 CFR 3.350, evaluating severe multi-extremity loss, bilateral blindness, and combined awards.

SMC-P Intermediate Rates: 38 U.S.C. 1114(p) and 38 CFR 3.350(f) Rules

Discover how the VA calculates intermediate and next-higher Special Monthly Compensation rates under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p) and 38 CFR 3.350(f).

Peripheral Vestibular Disorders VA Rating: DC 6204 Criteria & Evidence Guide

Learn how the VA rates peripheral vestibular disorders under 38 CFR 4.87, Diagnostic Code 6204, objective balance findings, and staggering criteria.

VA Ear and Vestibular Conditions C&P Exam Guide: Ear DBQ and Testing

Prepare for your vestibular and ear C&P exam with our guide to the official VA Ear Conditions DBQ, clinical testing, and rating rules.

Vertigo vs. Meniere's VA Rating: DC 6204 and DC 6205 Compared

Compare VA disability ratings for vertigo under DC 6204 and Meniere's disease under DC 6205, rating criteria, and anti-pyramiding alternatives.

Meniere's Disease VA Rating: DC 6205 Triad and Anti-Pyramiding Rules

Understand how the VA rates Meniere's disease under 38 CFR 4.87 (DC 6205), vertigo attack frequency tiers, cerebellar gait, and anti-pyramiding rules.

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