VA Disability Rating for Hearing Loss (Sensorineural)
Rated 0–100% by audiogram puretone thresholds + Maryland CNC speech discrimination scores.
Hearing loss is rated under 38 CFR § 4.85 via a table lookup combining puretone threshold averages (at 1000/2000/3000/4000 Hz) with Maryland CNC word-list speech discrimination scores. Most vets fall in the 0–20% range unless severe. Exceptional patterns (§ 4.86) allow use of the higher of two tables.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | — | Mild loss per audiogram/speech discrimination tables. |
| 10% | $180.42 | Moderate loss in at least one ear. |
| 20% | $356.66 | Moderate-to-severe bilateral loss. |
| 30% | $552.47 | Severe loss affecting speech discrimination significantly. |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | Profound bilateral loss with minimal speech discrimination. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
- →At 20%: $356.66/mo · $4,280/year, tax-free
- →At 30%: $552.47/mo · $6,630/year, tax-free
- →At 100%: $3,938.58/mo · $47,263/year, tax-free
How to get rated for hearing loss (sensorineural)
- Obtain a current audiogram — VA will order a C&P audiogram but bringing your own is helpful.
- Maryland CNC word-list speech discrimination test is required — not the same as standard audiogram word recognition.
- Document hazardous noise exposure in service (MOS, deployments, combat).
- File alongside a tinnitus claim — they are rated separately.
Common secondary conditions
- +Tinnitus
- +Vertigo
- +Mental health conditions from social withdrawal
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Separation audiogram vs entry audiogram comparison is the cleanest nexus evidence if it shows threshold shifts.
- Absence of an exit audiogram does NOT preclude service connection — the VA recognizes that ears kept ringing long after discharge.
Frequently asked
Why did I only get 0% for hearing loss?
VA rates hearing loss by objective test results, not self-reported difficulty. A 0% rating means service-connected but non-compensable. You can still claim tinnitus (always 10% max) and any mental-health secondaries.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.