Hearing loss is rated under Diagnostic Code 6100, and it’s one of the most formula-driven ratings the VA does. The number comes almost entirely from your official audiology exam, not from how you describe your hearing.
How the VA rates hearing loss
The rating comes from two measurements taken by a state-licensed audiologist:
- Puretone thresholds: the average of your hearing levels at 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in each ear.
- Speech discrimination: your score on the Maryland CNC word-recognition test.
The VA turns each ear’s results into a Roman numeral (I through XI) using its official tables, then combines both ears into a single rating from 0% to 100%. The tables require significant measured loss before a compensable rating kicks in, so it’s common for veterans with real hearing trouble to get 0%. A 0% rating still establishes service connection and supports a future increase if your hearing gets worse.
Tinnitus is separate
Ringing in the ears is rated under a different code and carries its own 10% rating. See our tinnitus guide. Many veterans are service-connected for both hearing loss and tinnitus from the same in-service noise exposure.
Getting service-connected
You generally need a current audiology diagnosis, evidence of in-service noise exposure (your job specialty and any documented exposure help), and a nexus. Because the exam is the rating, an accurate, complete audiology evaluation matters more here than almost anywhere else.
Frequently asked questions
Why did I get 0% when I clearly have hearing loss?
The VA’s tables require a certain measured level of loss before a compensable rating applies. A 0% rating still means you’re service-connected, so you can file for an increase if your hearing declines.
Can I get rated for both hearing loss and tinnitus?
Yes. They’re rated under separate codes, and it’s common to be service-connected for both from the same noise exposure.
General educational information based on the VA’s rating schedule (38 CFR 4.85, DC 6100). Not legal advice or a rating decision, and not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. For help, use a free VA-accredited representative.
Last reviewed: July 2026. Primary source: 38 CFR 4.85 (Diagnostic Code 6100), via VA.gov and the eCFR.