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All rating criteria

How the VA Rates Hearing Loss

The plain-English version of the 38 CFR Part 4, DC 6100 criteria a VA rater evaluates Hearing Loss against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.

Diagnostic code 6100

The rating levels

Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR Part 4, DC 6100 for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.

0%

$0/month (0% is still service-connected)

Hearing impairment with speech recognition ability of at least 92% and average pure tone threshold (500–4000 Hz) of no more than 40 dB. Diagnosis confirmed by audiogram but insufficient to reach a compensable level.

Examples from this level’s criteria

  • Confirmed hearing loss on audiogram
  • Mild difficulty in noisy environments

10%

$180.42/month

Hearing loss rated by combining speech discrimination percentage and pure tone average into a Roman numeral table (I–XI for speech, I–X for pure tone). A 10% rating typically corresponds to a combination of moderate speech discrimination loss and elevated pure tone thresholds.

Examples from this level’s criteria

  • Difficulty understanding speech without repetition
  • Trouble in group settings or noisy rooms
  • Need to read lips to supplement hearing

20%

$356.66/month

Moderate-to-severe hearing loss on audiogram table — worse speech discrimination (e.g., Roman numeral III or higher in speech combined with elevated pure tone average).

Examples from this level’s criteria

  • Frequent requests for repetition
  • Difficulty on phone without amplification
  • Misunderstanding conversations regularly

40%

$795.84/month

Severe hearing loss — significantly impaired speech discrimination combined with high pure tone averages across multiple frequencies.

Examples from this level’s criteria

  • Cannot understand speech reliably without hearing aids
  • Functionally deaf in one or both ears
  • Social withdrawal due to communication difficulty

100%

$3,938.58/month

Complete deafness — no speech recognition ability (Roman numeral XI) combined with average pure tone threshold at the highest range (Roman numeral X).

Examples from this level’s criteria

  • Complete or near-complete deafness bilaterally
  • Unable to communicate orally without assistive devices

The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.

The evidence that matters most

Formal audiological evaluation with speech recognition scores

C&P exam tips for Hearing Loss

  • Request a VA audiological examination — this must include both pure tone average and Maryland CNC speech discrimination testing.
  • Don't try to 'pass' the hearing test. Answer honestly — guess when you think you hear something, but don't strain beyond what you actually hear.
  • Bring records of any service noise exposure (MOS, unit, weapons qualified, aircraft, combat).
  • Note functional impacts: TV volume complaints, missing alarms, difficulty at work.

Common mistakes on Hearing Loss claims

  • Trying too hard on the hearing test — this reduces your score and your rating.
  • Not filing tinnitus as a separate condition alongside hearing loss.
  • Forgetting to request the audiological exam specifically (some examiners do only a quick tone test).

Frequently asked questions

What diagnostic code does the VA use for Hearing Loss?

Hearing Loss is rated under 38 CFR Part 4, DC 6100 — diagnostic code 6100.

What is the highest schedular VA rating for Hearing Loss?

100% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Hearing Loss. The criteria at that level describe: Complete deafness — no speech recognition ability (Roman numeral XI) combined with average pure tone threshold at the highest range (Roman numeral X).

How much does a 100% VA rating for Hearing Loss pay in 2026?

$3,938.58 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.

Related tools & guides

Build your Hearing Loss claim documentation

Your first claim builds free, on screen — a personal statement mapped to these criteria and a cited draft medical opinion. No card to sign up.

Start your claim — free

Educational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.