38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.85
Hearing loss
dc-6100-hearing-loss
Neurological
Diagnostic code
6100
Why your DC matters: DC 6100 is the exact code the VA uses to rate this condition. It determines which symptoms unlock which percentage, what evidence the rater looks for, and which secondaries are most likely to be approved.
Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4):
Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)
Diagnostic code 6100 — Hearing loss — is listed under 38 CFR § 4.85 in 38 CFR Part 4. The paragraphs below summarize how this code is used; the official schedule text controls exact percentages, formulas, and notes.
Schedule summary (educational, not a substitute for the regulation): Rated using audiometric testing and speech discrimination.
Exact rating criteria: Open Part 4 in the eCFR (link under “Official source” below). Locate your diagnostic code number (6100) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “6100”. Copy the verbatim rating table, including any parenthetical notes, exceptions, and cross-references, for the version of Part 4 that applies to your effective date.
Effective dates & which schedule version applies
Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).
For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.
The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.
Notes for your claim
Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 6100 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.
C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.
If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.
This site does not provide legal advice.
Official source
38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 6100 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
DC 6100 is the most mechanically rated condition in the schedule. The math is brutal: audiogram pure-tone thresholds (averaged at 1000/2000/3000/4000 Hz) + Maryland CNC speech discrimination score → Roman numeral (Table VI or VIA) for each ear → percentage rating (Table VII). Tinnitus is rated separately under DC 6260 — they go together but are NOT the same rating. Most veterans rate at 0% because the math favors mild loss; § 4.86 'exceptional patterns' is a stealth play for steep high-frequency loss.
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | Profound bilateral hearing loss — Roman numeral X+ in BOTH ears (or Level XI in one ear with Level X+ in the other). | Pure-tone averages above ~90 dB bilaterally with low speech discrimination; cochlear implant or near-deafness. |
| 50% | Severe bilateral hearing loss with low speech discrimination. | Pure-tone averages in the 70–80 dB range with speech discrimination in the 50–60% range bilaterally. |
| 20% | Moderate hearing loss with reduced discrimination. | Pure-tone averages around 50–60 dB with speech discrimination 70–80%; or asymmetric loss with marked deficit in worse ear. |
| 10% | Mild-to-moderate measurable loss above the floor — typically Level II/III pairing in Table VII. | Pure-tone averages 40–50 dB with speech discrimination 80–88%. |
| 0% | Service-connected hearing loss at the audiometric threshold but not severe enough for a compensable rating. | Documented loss + service connection, but Tables VI/VII yield Level I or low pairing → 0%. |
What Qualifies as 'Sensorineural Hearing Loss' Under DC 6100?
Audiogram by state-licensed audiologist with Maryland CNC speech discrimination
Pure-tone air-conduction thresholds at 500/1000/2000/3000/4000 Hz + Maryland CNC speech discrimination per ear. Other speech tests (HINT, QuickSIN, W-22) are not valid per § 4.85.
Mechanical rating from Tables VI/VIA → Table VII
Pure-tone average (PTA) + CNC score → Roman numeral per ear → percentage:
- • 0% — service-connected but mild measurements (Level I or low pairing)
- • 10–20% — moderate loss
- • 30–50% — severe loss
- • 60%+ — profound bilateral loss
- • 100% — Level X+ both ears (or Level XI + Level X)
§ 4.86 exceptional pattern path
If pure-tone thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000, AND 4000 Hz are ALL ≥ 55 dB — OR if threshold at 1000 Hz ≤ 30 dB AND at 2000 Hz ≥ 70 dB — the rater uses HIGHER of Table VI or Table VIA. The stealth play for military noise damage.
Language Your Rater Needs to See
These are the exact (or near-exact) regulatory phrases that unlock specific tiers. If your DBQ or C&P report doesn't use this vocabulary, the rater may default to a lower percentage even when symptoms qualify.
“Puretone threshold average and Maryland CNC speech discrimination score”
These two numbers PER EAR are the entire rating. Make sure your audiogram is by a state-licensed audiologist using Maryland CNC (not Hearing in Noise Test or other variants — only CNC is valid per § 4.85). Without Maryland CNC, the exam is defective.
“Exceptional pattern of hearing impairment”
If pure-tone thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000, AND 4000 Hz are all 55 dB or more — OR if the threshold at 1000 Hz is 30 dB or less AND at 2000 Hz is 70 dB or more — you qualify under § 4.86. The rater uses the HIGHER of Tables VI or VIA. This is the stealth play for steep high-frequency loss typical of military noise exposure.
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Audiogram from a state-licensed audiologist
CRITICALWithout hearing aids. Includes pure-tone air-conduction thresholds at 500/1000/2000/3000/4000 Hz, bone conduction, and Maryland CNC speech discrimination per ear.
In-service noise exposure documentation
CRITICALMOS (artillery, aviation, armor, infantry, MP), proximity to flightlines, range exposures, IED/blast incidents. STR entries mentioning ear pain or hearing complaints.
Audiology DBQ
CRITICALVA's hearing DBQ — covers Tables VI/VIA inputs, § 4.86 patterns, and tinnitus.
Civilian comparison audiograms (if available)
SUPPORTINGPre-service or early-civilian audiograms showing baseline. Documents in-service deterioration.
Functional impact statement
SUPPORTINGDifficulty in restaurants, on phone, with family conversation, in meetings. Supports separate § 4.10 functional rating considerations.
C&P Exam Tips
Confirm Maryland CNC is used
Only Maryland CNC speech discrimination is accepted per § 4.85. If the examiner uses HINT, QuickSIN, or W-22, the test results don't apply to the rating — request a re-test.
Don't 'try harder' on the discrimination test
If you can't make out the word, don't guess. Guessing inflates your score and lowers your rating. Honest 'I don't know' responses give accurate data.
Mention tinnitus separately
Tinnitus is rated under DC 6260 (10% max) and is independent of hearing loss. Both should be claimed together when applicable.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Accepting a 0% rating without checking § 4.86
If your pure-tone thresholds at 1000–4000 Hz are all ≥55 dB OR you have steep high-frequency loss (≤30 at 1k AND ≥70 at 2k), § 4.86 applies and Table VIA may yield a higher Roman numeral. Many examiners miss this.
Filing hearing loss without claiming tinnitus
Same noise exposure causes both. If you have ringing/buzzing, file tinnitus (DC 6260) at the same time — it's a separate 10%.
Not pursuing nexus when audiograms 'show normal hearing at separation'
Acoustic trauma in service can cause delayed-onset hearing loss decades later. A nexus letter from an audiologist linking current loss to documented in-service noise exposure can overcome a normal-at-separation audiogram.
Filing for hearing aids before hearing loss is service-connected
VA provides hearing aids to service-connected veterans regardless of compensable rating. Get the SC first (even at 0%), then claim aids through VA Audiology.
Tactical Plays
⚡ Always file hearing loss + tinnitus together
Same audiogram covers both, same noise exposure supports both. Tinnitus is a flat 10% — even if hearing loss rates at 0%, the tinnitus adds 10% to your combined rating.
⚡ Steep high-frequency loss = § 4.86 territory
Military noise damage hits high frequencies first. If your 2k–4k Hz thresholds are markedly worse than 500–1k Hz, you may qualify for § 4.86 exceptional pattern, which uses Table VIA — often yielding a higher Roman numeral and rating. Demand the comparison if your decision doesn't mention § 4.86.
⚡ Even 0% gets you VA hearing aids and SC for aggravation
A 0% service connection for hearing loss is still valuable — VA provides hearing aids, batteries, and audiology care free for SC veterans. And if your loss WORSENS over time, you file for increase under an existing SC rather than fighting the SC battle again.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
Tinnitus
STRONGDC 6260
Same noise exposure causes both. File together. Tinnitus is a separate 10% (max).
Vertigo / Meniere's syndrome
SITUATIONALDC 6204
If hearing loss is accompanied by vertigo, file separately under DC 6204 (peripheral vestibular disorders) or DC 6205 (Meniere's).
Depression / social isolation
MODERATEDC 9434
Severe hearing loss → social withdrawal and depression. Well-documented secondary path.
Compensation Scenarios
2026 rates (effective Dec 1, 2025, per va.gov)
0% — single, no dependents
TOTAL
$0.00/mo
Service-connected but Level I/I → 0%. Still valuable for VA hearing aids + ease of future increase claims.
10% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$180.42
TOTAL
$180.42/mo
Mild-moderate loss → Level II/III pairing.
20% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$356.66
TOTAL
$356.66/mo
Moderate loss + reduced discrimination.
30% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$552.47
TOTAL
$552.47/mo
Moderately severe bilateral.
50% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$1,132.90
TOTAL
$1,132.90/mo
Severe bilateral with low discrimination.
100% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$3,938.58
TOTAL
$3,938.58/mo
Profound bilateral (Level X+/X+).
10% hearing loss + 10% tinnitus + 30% MDD (social isolation secondary)
TOTAL
$795.84/mo
Combined ~44% → rounds to 40% = $795.84/mo. Hearing loss is often the gateway to higher combined ratings via tinnitus + mental health secondaries.
Note: Amounts are approximations rounded to nearest dollar. Actual comp varies with effective date, dependents (spouse, children, parents — each adds), Aid & Attendance, and additional disabilities. Combined ratings use VA Math (§ 4.25), not simple addition.
Key Definitions
🗣️What is Maryland CNC?
Maryland Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant — the ONLY valid speech discrimination test per § 4.85. Tests how well you recognize CNC word lists at conversational volume. Other tests (HINT, QuickSIN, W-22) don't apply to the rating.
📈What is § 4.86 'Exceptional Pattern'?
Two qualifying patterns: (a) thresholds at 1000–4000 Hz all ≥ 55 dB (uniformly severe), or (b) ≤ 30 dB at 1000 Hz + ≥ 70 dB at 2000 Hz (steep high-frequency loss). Either qualifies for Table VIA, which often yields a higher Roman numeral.
🎚️What is a Pure-Tone Average (PTA)?
Arithmetic average of thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz (per § 4.85). Combined with CNC score on Table VI to yield Roman numeral for each ear.
🔔Why is tinnitus separate?
Tinnitus is rated under DC 6260 — separate from hearing loss. Both flow from the same noise exposure, but the ratings don't overlap. Always claim both.
How to File Your Claim
Get an audiogram from a state-licensed audiologist using Maryland CNC
Without hearing aids. Includes pure-tone air conduction (500/1000/2000/3000/4000 Hz), bone conduction, and Maryland CNC speech discrimination per ear. Without CNC, the exam is invalid for rating purposes.
File VA Form 21-526EZ — claim hearing loss AND tinnitus together
Same audiogram supports both, same noise exposure causes both. Tinnitus is a separate 10% flat under DC 6260.
Submit in-service noise exposure evidence
MOS (artillery, aviation, armor, infantry, MP), proximity to flightlines, range exposures, IED/blast incidents. STR entries mentioning ear pain or hearing complaints.
Check for § 4.86 exceptional pattern
Steep high-frequency loss (characteristic of military noise damage) often qualifies under § 4.86. If your decision doesn't mention Table VIA comparison, file HLR.
Even at 0%, the SC is valuable
0% service connection gets you free VA hearing aids, batteries, and audiology care — and easy future increase claims if hearing worsens.
Typical Claim Timeline
File initial claim
Day 0–7: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ with all medical evidence on file
VA acknowledges claim
Week 1–2: Receive confirmation letter and claim tracking number
C&P examination scheduled
Month 1–3: VA contracts an exam vendor and sends you appointment notice
Attend C&P exam
Bring your full evidence package; describe symptoms on your worst days, not your best
Decision & rating notice
Month 3–6: Decision letter with rating percentage and effective date
First payment & retro back pay
Within 15 days of decision; retroactive to claim date (or effective date if earlier)
Timeline varies by case complexity and VA regional office workload. Some claims resolve faster; others take longer.
Important Considerations
Always file tinnitus with hearing loss
Same exposure, same audiogram, separate 10% rating. Tinnitus is the most-claimed VA condition for good reason — easy approval when paired with hearing loss.
Steep high-frequency loss = § 4.86 territory
Military noise damages high frequencies first. If your 2k–4k Hz thresholds are markedly worse than 500–1k Hz, demand a Table VIA comparison. Many raters apply only Table VI and miss the higher Roman numeral.
Don't 'try harder' on the discrimination test
Guessing inflates your score and lowers your rating. Honest 'I don't know' responses give accurate data. The rating is mathematically derived — wrong inputs = wrong rating.
Even 0% has value
Service connection at 0% unlocks free VA hearing aids and makes future increase claims a 'rate change' rather than a fresh SC battle. Don't refuse a 0% grant.
Additional VA Benefits You May Qualify For
🦻Free VA Hearing Aids & Audiology Care
Service-connected veterans (even at 0%) receive hearing aids, batteries, repairs, and ongoing audiology care at no cost through VA.
🔬Cochlear Implants for Profound Loss
Veterans with profound bilateral hearing loss may qualify for cochlear implants through VA, including surgical placement and rehabilitation.
🎓Vocational Rehabilitation
If hearing loss limits your prior occupation (call center, aviation, music), VR&E (Chapter 31) can retrain you for hearing-compatible work.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my hearing loss rated 0%?
The math may give Level I in both ears or a Level II/I pairing — both yield 0% under Table VII. Common with mild loss. The 0% is still valuable: VA hearing aids, easy increase claims later. Check § 4.86 — if your high-frequency loss is steep, Table VIA may yield a higher result.
Why does my audiogram show 'normal' but I can't hear?
Audiograms test discrete pure tones, not real-world listening. Speech-in-noise difficulty isn't captured by Maryland CNC alone. If your hearing loss is functionally significant despite mild numbers, request a Hearing Loss DBQ that addresses functional impact (§ 4.10).
Can I claim hearing loss without normal-at-separation audiogram?
Yes. Acoustic trauma in service can cause DELAYED-onset hearing loss decades later. A nexus letter from an audiologist linking current loss to documented in-service noise exposure can overcome a normal-at-separation audiogram.
What's the maximum hearing loss rating?
100% under DC 6100, requiring profound bilateral loss (Level X+ in both ears, or XI + X). Most service-connected hearing loss veterans rate 0–30%; profound bilateral loss is rare.
Does tinnitus rate higher than hearing loss?
Tinnitus caps at 10% under DC 6260 (single rating, regardless of unilateral/bilateral). For many veterans, tinnitus is the higher of the two ratings — hearing loss at 0% + tinnitus at 10% is the most common pairing.
Official Regulatory Source
Sensorineural hearing loss is rated under 38 CFR §§ 4.85 and 4.86, Diagnostic Code 6100.
38 CFR §§ 4.85, 4.86 — Hearing Impairment (eCFR) →§ 4.85 defines Table VI (standard) and Table VII (rating); § 4.86 defines the exceptional pattern path to Table VIA.
⚠️ Verify with a VSO
DC 6100 rating is mechanically derived from Tables VI/VIA and Table VII; no examiner discretion. If your decision doesn't show the exact pure-tone averages and CNC scores used, request the audiology report and reverse-engineer the math. Any error in the input numbers reverses the rating. Verify Maryland CNC was used — other speech discrimination tests are not valid per § 4.85.
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 6100, compare your current symptoms and documentation against the criteria above. Consider:
- Requesting a copy of your rating decision and C&P exam report from the VA
- Gathering all relevant medical records (VA and private providers)
- Documenting functional limitations and how they impact work and daily activities
- Obtaining a nexus letter if needed to establish or strengthen service connection
- Filing for secondary conditions that may be related to this primary condition
- Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file
This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.
Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.
Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 6100 • va.gov
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.