◢ Sensory • 38 CFR § 4.85, DC 6100
Hearing Loss (Sensorineural)
Hearing loss ratings are calculated mechanically from your audiogram, not subjectively. The VA plugs your decibel thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz plus your Maryland CNC speech-discrimination percentage into Tables VI and VIa, then cross-references on Table VII to produce your rating. Most veterans land at 0% even with measurable loss because the formula is conservative.
Rating tiers under 38 CFR § 4.85, DC 6100
The VA rates hearing loss (sensorineural) at these schedular tiers. Most veterans land at the middle tiers — extreme tiers require correspondingly extreme documentation.
Mild loss not severe enough under Tables VI/VII to warrant compensable rating. Most veterans with 'high-frequency hearing loss' fall here.
Moderate loss producing Roman numeral III in worse ear and IV in better ear, or similar combinations under Table VII.
Significant loss with worse-ear numeral V or VI.
Severe loss approaching profound, numeral VII-VIII range in both ears.
Profound bilateral loss with numerals X-XI on Table VII.
Evidence the C&P examiner needs
Build the record before the exam. Walk in with documentation, walk out with a stronger rating.
- 01
VA audiology DBQ for Hearing Loss and Tinnitus, including Maryland CNC speech testing
- 02
Service treatment records showing baseline and exit audiograms
- 03
MOS confirming noise-hazardous duty
- 04
Documentation of in-service noise events (range qualification, combat, mechanical work)
Secondary conditions to file alongside
These conditions frequently develop as a consequence of hearing loss (sensorineural) and are often missed. Each can be filed as a secondary claim and add to your combined rating.
Tinnitus
Almost universally filed alongside hearing loss; rated separately at 10%.
Cognitive decline (in older veterans)
Emerging research supports cognitive impairment as secondary to severe untreated hearing loss.
Common mistakes that lower the rating
- 01
Going to a private audiologist who does not perform Maryland CNC speech testing — the VA requires this specific test, not the more common HINT or QuickSIN
- 02
Believing 'high-frequency loss' will compensate — the VA formula weights speech frequencies (1-4 kHz) and ignores the 6-8 kHz range where most noise-induced loss begins
- 03
Not requesting a re-exam if your hearing has worsened — annual recertification is allowed and often pushes a 0% to a 10% or higher
Pro tip
If your audiogram shows speech discrimination below 94%, you are likely at 10% or higher even with moderate pure-tone loss. The Maryland CNC score does most of the work in the rating formula.
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Source: 38 CFR Part 4 (VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities) and VA M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual. This guide explains the regulation; it is not legal advice and does not substitute for an accredited VA claims agent or VSO. Find a free VSO at va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation.