How to Get a VA Rating for Hearing Loss

Hearing problems are the most common service-connected disability among American veterans. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 1.3 million veterans received compensation for hearing loss in 2020 and over 2.3 million veterans were compensated for tinnitus during the same year.

Establishing Service Connection for Hearing Loss

To receive VA disability benefits for hearing loss, you must prove that your condition is service-connected. The VA requires three key pieces of evidence:

1. A current medical diagnosis of hearing loss from a licensed audiologist
2. Evidence of an in-service event or hazardous noise exposure that could have caused the damage
3. A nexus, or medical opinion, that links your hearing loss to that in-service event

The event does not have to be combat-related. It can be anything from regular weapons training to working near loud machinery or aircraft. To back up your claim, you should submit service records showing your job duties or exposure to loud noise.

A clear medical opinion is also key. This statement should say it is “at least as likely as not” that your hearing loss came from service. Without this, the VA may deny your claim even if your diagnosis and service history are strong.

Getting a Diagnosis for Hearing Loss

To qualify for a VA disability rating, you must have a confirmed diagnosis of hearing loss from a licensed audiologist. The VA does not accept tests done by unlicensed providers or in non-standard settings. The hearing tests required by the VA are:

• Maryland CNC Test. This test uses a list of 50 words. The audiologist reads the words out loud, and you repeat them. The test measures your ability to recognize and understand speech.
• Puretone Audiometry Test. This test checks your ability to hear different tones. You will wear headphones or a bone-conduction device. You will press a button or raise your hand each time you hear a beep. This shows how well you can hear across different sound frequencies.

The tests are done in a soundproof room using VA-approved equipment and methods. The results are then used to calculate your disability rating. Keep in mind that only these specific tests decide your hearing loss rating and benefits. Other tests may help with treatment but won’t count toward your claim.

Types of Hearing Loss

• Conductive hearing loss. This affects the outer or middle ear. It may be caused by infections or damage to the eardrum.
• Sensorineural hearing loss. This is the most common type in veterans. It affects the inner ear or the auditory nerve. It often results from noise exposure or aging.
• Mixed hearing loss. This means you have both types. It may involve both outer/middle ear problems and inner ear nerve damage.

Symptoms of Hearing Loss

• Muffled speech or sounds
• Trouble understanding words, especially in noisy places or group settings
• Difficulty hearing consonants like “s,” “f,” or “t”
• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves or speak louder
• Turning up the TV or radio louder than others prefer
• Avoiding conversations or withdrawing from social events.

Many veterans also develop tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ears, which is rated separately under the VA rating schedule. If you have both tinnitus and hearing loss, the VA may assign separate disability ratings, allowing you to receive additional disability compensation.

Causes of Hearing Loss

• Combat and Training Noise Exposure: Gunfire, explosions, and artillery blasts are major risks. So are mortars, rocket launchers, and heavy weapons. Many service members were not given hearing protection.
• Aircraft and Vehicle Engines: Working near jets, helicopters, or tanks exposes you to loud engine noise. Flight crews, mechanics, and drivers are at high risk.
• Industrial and Mechanical Equipment: Tools like compressors, generators, and power saws can cause long-term hearing damage. Ship engines and construction noise are also harmful.
• Lack of Hearing Protection: In many eras, ear protection was not used or required. Long-term exposure without protection causes permanent damage.
• Blast Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): IEDs and explosions send shockwaves through the body. These blasts can damage the inner ear and affect balance. TBIs may harm how the brain processes sound.
• Ear Infections and Eardrum Injuries: Pressure changes, dirty water, or trauma can rupture the eardrum or cause middle ear infections. These injuries may lead to lasting hearing problems.

What Is the VA Disability Rating for Hearing Loss?

The VA assigns a disability rating for hearing loss ranging from 0% to 100% under the VA rating schedule. Most veterans receive a 0% or 10% rating, which reflects mild to moderate hearing loss in both ears.

The VA uses medical test results to determine how severe the hearing loss is. These results are then used to assign a rating percentage that reflects the level of impairment. Ratings are based on how well you can hear tones and understand speech.

The final hearing loss VA rating combines results from both ears and determines the amount of VA disability compensation you may receive. Higher ratings mean worse hearing and bigger effects on daily life.

How the VA Rates Hearing Loss

The VA uses 38 CFR § 4.85 to rate hearing loss. This rule creates a clear and fair standard. To do this, the VA relies on the Maryland CNC Test, which measures how well you recognize spoken words, and the Puretone Audiometry Test, which measures how well you hear tones at different frequencies.

The VA compares your test scores to a chart to assign your hearing loss rating. Here’s how the process works, using the table below:

• Find the Roman numeral for the ear with better hearing on the left side of the chart
• Find the numeral for the worse ear across the top
• The point where those two values meet shows your combined hearing loss rating

This chart gives the final rating, which ranges from 0% to 100%. If certain conditions are met, 38 CFR § 4.86 may apply for “exceptional patterns” of hearing loss. This allows for a higher rating in rare cases.

If a speech discrimination test is deemed not appropriate by the VA examiner, a Roman numeral is assigned to each ear based on this table:

If tests were not done on an ear, or the hearing loss is service connected only for one ear, that ear is assumed to have 0% hearing loss and is assigned the Roman numeral I.

The rating system is complex and based entirely on objective test scores, not personal experiences or functional impact. Even if you struggle with hearing daily, a low score on these tests may still lead to a low rating.

What If the VA Rating Is Too Low?

Because disability ratings are based on specific hearing tests, it’s difficult for veterans to receive a rating for hearing loss higher than the one assigned to them on test results alone. But you can submit extra evidence to support your claim. This might include:

• Lay statements from family, friends, or coworkers who notice your hearing trouble
• Notes about missed conversations, safety concerns, or isolation due to poor hearing
• A medical opinion that explains why your hearing loss is worse than the test reflects

If you believe your disability rating is too low or your hearing loss VA claim was denied, an experienced VA lawyer may be able to help. You could still qualify for more benefits if you are able to convincingly explain how hearing loss makes daily life harder. Contact us for a free case evaluation.

Applying for Hearing Loss Benefits

Applying for VA disability benefits for hearing loss starts with submitting a VA disability claim. You can file online, by mail, or through a Veteran Service Officer (VSO). Once the VA receives your claim, they may schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to assess your condition. This exam is required before a decision is made. You should also submit supporting documents such as:

• Your audiologist’s test results
• Statements from friends, family, or coworkers
• Any private medical records related to your hearing

These materials help the VA understand how your hearing loss affects you. Proper documentation and medical evidence can help you secure the correct disability rating and maximize your disability compensation.

For clear, step‑by‑step instructions on filing a VA disability claim, request your free Veteran Benefits Book today or get the ebook version for immediate access.