Rating criteria and payment examples checked against official sources on .
How VA rates hearing loss
VA generally uses controlled speech discrimination testing and puretone threshold averages from audiology exams. The results are mapped through rating tables to determine a hearing loss percentage. Depending on severity and test outcomes, the final rating may be 0%, 10%, or higher.
Official VA rating decisions depend on medical evidence and VA examination results in your case file.
From your audiogram to a VA percentage
Under 38 CFR 4.85, the standard rating exam is performed by a state-licensed audiologist and includes puretone testing and the Maryland CNC speech discrimination test, without hearing aids. An online hearing check is not a substitute for this examination.
- Calculate each ear's puretone average. Add the thresholds at 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 and 4,000 Hz, then divide by four. The 500 Hz threshold is not part of this average.
- Look up each ear in Table VI. Match that average with its Maryland CNC score to obtain a Roman numeral from I to XI.
- Combine the two numerals in Table VII. The intersection gives one hearing-loss percentage for both ears. Do not add a left-ear percentage to a right-ear percentage.
- Estimate pay using the assigned percentage. Then combine hearing loss with other separately rated disabilities using VA math and account for eligible dependents.
The two examples below are hypothetical teaching cases. Both assume service connection in both ears, valid test results and no exceptional hearing pattern. They are not predictions for an individual claim.
Each ear has thresholds of 25, 30, 35 and 50 dB at the four frequencies, with a Maryland CNC score of 96%.
Table VI: 35 dB and 96% = level I in each ear.
Table VII: I with I = 0% hearing loss.
The 50 dB threshold can meet VA's definition of hearing disability, while the rating tables still produce 0%. Service connection is a separate determination.
Each ear has thresholds of 40, 45, 50 and 65 dB, with a Maryland CNC score of 80%.
Table VI: 50 dB and 80% = level IV in each ear.
Table VII: IV with IV = 10% hearing loss.
For a veteran with no other compensable ratings, the basic 2026 payment is $180.42 per month. Spouse or child additions do not apply at 10%.
Table VI and VII values: official CFR tables, pages 459–460, checked against current section 4.85.
When the usual table lookup changes
Table VIa is used only in specified circumstances, such as when an examiner certifies that speech discrimination testing is inappropriate or when an exceptional pattern qualifies under 38 CFR 4.86. For example, thresholds of at least 55 dB at all four frequencies require comparing Tables VI and VIa and using the higher numeral for that ear. A threshold of 30 dB or less at 1,000 Hz together with 70 dB or more at 2,000 Hz requires that comparison and then raising the chosen numeral one level. Each ear is considered separately for these rules.
Why hearing loss may be rated at 0%
A 0% rating means VA may recognize hearing loss as service connected, but the measured results do not qualify for monthly compensation from that condition by itself.
A 0% service-connected rating can still matter if hearing worsens later or if it supports related evidence. You may still receive monthly compensation from other service-connected conditions.
How much hearing loss meets VA's disability definition?
38 CFR 3.385 defines a hearing disability when any one of the following is present:
- A threshold of at least 40 dB at any of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 or 4,000 Hz;
- Thresholds of at least 26 dB at three or more of those frequencies; or
- A Maryland CNC speech recognition score below 94%.
Meeting this definition does not by itself establish service connection or a payable percentage. Notice that 500 Hz counts for the disability definition, while the rating-table average uses only 1,000 through 4,000 Hz.
Hearing loss vs. tinnitus
Hearing loss and tinnitus are different conditions. Tinnitus often means ringing, buzzing, or similar sounds. Hearing loss refers to reduced hearing ability measured through audiology testing. A veteran can potentially be rated for both if service connection is supported by evidence.
See the tinnitus guide: VA disability rating for tinnitus.
Separate evaluations are not automatic. The tinnitus rule permits a separate evaluation with hearing loss unless tinnitus is already being used to support that other evaluation. See Diagnostic Code 6260, note 1.
Can hearing loss increase your combined VA rating?
If hearing loss receives a compensable rating, it may increase your combined VA disability rating. VA ratings are not added directly. If you want to see how combined ratings work, use the VA combined-rating math examples.
Run the full estimate in the VA disability calculator, or compare payments at each final rating in the 2026 VA compensation chart.
10% hearing loss plus 10% tinnitus: a pay example
If VA has assigned these as separate compensable evaluations and you have no other ratings, Table I combines 10% and 10% to 19%, which rounds to a final 20%. The basic 2026 monthly payment is $356.66, compared with $180.42 at 10%: a difference of $176.24. Add tinnitus in the calculator above to reproduce this example.
The bilateral factor for paired limbs is not applied to the ears. Hearing impairment in both ears is already evaluated together through Table VII.
Estimate your monthly VA disability pay
Use the free calculator to estimate your combined VA rating and monthly compensation based on your ratings and dependents.
When to request a review
A review may be worth considering if hearing loss was denied, if VA assigned 0% but newer symptoms or testing may support a higher rating, or if hearing worsened after an earlier decision.
It can also help to review your full picture when tinnitus, PTSD, sleep apnea, or other conditions may affect the combined rating.
If your rating seems too low, you can request a source-cited decision and evidence review.
Hearing loss VA rating FAQ
Yes. VA may recognize hearing loss as service connected but assign a 0% rating if audiology results do not meet compensation thresholds.
No. Hearing loss is reduced hearing ability measured through audiology testing. Tinnitus usually refers to ringing, buzzing, or similar sounds in the ears.
Yes. They can be separate service-connected disabilities when evidence supports each condition.
It can if hearing loss receives a compensable rating and affects the combined rating. A 0% rating by itself does not add monthly compensation.
If your claim was denied or rated too low, review the decision letter, audiology evidence, and available appeal options. You can also request a source-cited decision and evidence review through this site.
This calculator uses an assigned or hypothetical hearing-loss rating, combines it with other ratings using VA math, and estimates monthly compensation using 2026 rates and dependent information. It does not calculate a hearing-loss percentage from audiogram results or replace an official examination.
Under 38 CFR 3.385, hearing disability means a threshold of at least 40 dB at any of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 or 4,000 Hz; at least 26 dB at three or more of those frequencies; or a Maryland CNC score below 94%. Service connection and the percentage payable are separate questions.
The standard rating examination is conducted by a state-licensed audiologist and includes puretone audiometry and the Maryland CNC controlled speech discrimination test, without hearing aids. The rating average uses 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 and 4,000 Hz. Specific exceptions can permit Table VIa.
For hearing loss in both service-connected ears, VA ordinarily assigns a numeral to each ear and combines those numerals in Table VII to produce one hearing-loss evaluation. Do not add two ear percentages or apply the paired-limb bilateral factor.
When separately assigned, 10% hearing loss and 10% tinnitus combine to 19% under Table I, then round to 20%. With no other compensable ratings, the basic 2026 payment is $356.66 per month. This example does not establish entitlement to either rating.