The Short Answer

The VA rates hearing loss and tinnitus as separate conditions. Tinnitus is typically rated at 10% — the maximum schedular rating for that condition alone. Hearing loss ratings range from 0% to 100%, depending on the severity measured by audiometric test results. Most veterans receive a 0% or 10% rating for hearing loss, though severe or profound loss can warrant higher ratings. Both conditions require a current diagnosis, an in-service event or exposure, and a medical nexus linking the two.

Why Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Are So Common in Veterans

Military service exposes personnel to noise levels that frequently cause permanent auditory damage. Common sources include:

• Weapons fire (rifles, artillery, mortars)
• Explosions and blast events (IEDs, breaching charges)
• Aircraft and helicopter noise
• Engine rooms and machinery on ships
• Tracked and wheeled vehicle operations
• Range training and combat exercises

Because noise exposure is pervasive across nearly every military occupational specialty, hearing-related claims represent a significant portion of all VA disability filings. The VA recognizes this and has specific diagnostic criteria for evaluating these conditions.

How the VA Rates Tinnitus

Tinnitus — a ringing, buzzing, or humming sound in the ears with no external source — is rated under 38 CFR § 4.87, Diagnostic Code 6260. The schedular rating is straightforward:

• 10% — recurrent tinnitus in one or both ears

There is no rating above 10% for tinnitus alone, regardless of whether it affects one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral). The VA considers any persistent tinnitus to warrant the same 10% rating. This is one of the most commonly granted VA disability ratings.

If your tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss, each condition receives its own separate rating. A veteran with bilateral tinnitus and moderate hearing loss might hold a 10% rating for tinnitus plus a separate rating for hearing loss, which are then combined using the VA's combined ratings table.

How the VA Rates Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is rated under 38 CFR § 4.85, Diagnostic Code 6100. Unlike tinnitus, hearing loss ratings vary significantly based on measured auditory thresholds. The VA uses two key tests:

1. Puretone audiometry — measures the quietest sound you can hear at various frequencies
2. Speech discrimination (Maryland CNC) — measures your ability to understand spoken words

The results are plotted on an audiogram and compared against the VA's specific formula. The rating depends on the combination of puretone threshold average and speech discrimination score. Here is a general guide to how ratings break down:

These ranges are approximate. The VA uses a specific mathematical formula that cross-references both the puretone average and the speech discrimination score to determine the exact rating. Two veterans with similar puretone averages can receive different ratings if their speech discrimination scores differ.

The Bilateral Factor

If you have hearing loss in both ears (or tinnitus in both ears, or both conditions bilaterally), the VA applies a bilateral factor. This is an additional 10% added to the combined rating of the bilateral conditions before it is merged with any other service-connected disabilities.

The bilateral factor exists because disabilities affecting both sides of the body have a greater functional impact than a single-sided condition. For example, a veteran with a 10% rating for hearing loss in each ear would have those ratings combined with the bilateral factor applied, resulting in a slightly higher overall combined rating than if only one ear were affected.

Filing a Claim for Hearing Loss or Tinnitus

To successfully claim hearing loss or tinnitus, you need three elements:

1. A current diagnosis. A VA or private audiologist must document your hearing loss or tinnitus. For hearing loss, this requires a current audiogram. For tinnitus, a medical professional must confirm you experience persistent ringing or noise in the ears.
2. An in-service event, injury, or exposure. You need evidence that something during your military service caused or contributed to the condition. This can include your personnel records showing noise-hazardous MOS, deployment records, incident reports, or buddy statements describing acoustic trauma.
3. A medical nexus. A medical professional must provide an opinion linking your current diagnosis to your service. The VA often provides this through the Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam, but you can also submit a private medical opinion (often called an Independent Medical Opinion or IMO).

Tips for a Stronger Claim

• Get a current audiogram. The VA will schedule a C&P exam, but having your own recent audiogram from a licensed audiologist strengthens your claim.
• Document your noise exposure. Write a personal statement describing the specific noise exposures you experienced during service — weapons, vehicles, aircraft, explosions, and how often you were exposed.
• Get buddy statements. Fellow service members who witnessed your noise exposure or who can attest to your hearing difficulties after service add credibility.
• File for both conditions. If you have both tinnitus and hearing loss, file for both. They are rated separately and the combined rating is higher than either alone.
• Don't downplay your symptoms. At the C&P exam, be honest about how your hearing loss or tinnitus affects your daily life — difficulty following conversations, trouble hearing in noisy environments, sleep disruption from tinnitus.

The VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam for Hearing

When you file a claim for hearing loss or tinnitus, the VA will schedule a C&P exam with a VA-contracted audiologist. This exam is critical — the results directly determine your rating. Here's what to expect:

• The exam includes puretone audiometry (you raise your hand or press a button when you hear tones at different frequencies and volumes).
• Speech discrimination testing using the Maryland CNC word list (you repeat words played at a comfortable listening level).
• The examiner will ask about your tinnitus — when it started, whether it's constant or intermittent, and which ears are affected.
• The entire exam typically takes 30–60 minutes.

The examiner writes a DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire) that the VA rater uses to assign your rating. If you believe the C&P exam results are inaccurate — for example, if you were having a "bad hearing day" or the testing environment was noisy — you can request a re-examination or submit outside audiometric evidence.

What Most Veterans Actually Receive

In practice, the most common outcomes for hearing-related claims are:

• Tinnitus: 10% (granted to the vast majority of claimants who report persistent ringing)
• Hearing loss: 0% (the most common rating — meaning the VA acknowledges the condition is service-connected but rates it as non-compensating)
• Hearing loss: 10% (the next most common, for mild to moderate loss)

A 0% rating for hearing loss is still valuable. It establishes service connection, which means:

• If your hearing worsens over time, you can file for an increased rating without having to prove the service connection again.
• You qualify for VA hearing aids and audiology services at no cost.
• The condition counts toward your overall combined rating if you have other service-connected disabilities.

VA Hearing Aids and Audiology Services

Even with a 0% rating, veterans with service-connected hearing loss are eligible for:

• Free hearing aids through the VA audiology clinic
• Batteries and repairs for VA-issued hearing aids
• Annual hearing evaluations
• Assistive listening devices

You do not need a compensable rating (10% or higher) to receive hearing aids from the VA. Service connection alone qualifies you. Schedule an appointment with your local VA audiology clinic to get fitted.

How to Increase Your Hearing Loss Rating

If you believe your current rating understates the severity of your hearing loss, you can file for an increased rating. Steps to take:

1. Get a new audiogram. If your hearing has declined since your last C&P exam, a new audiogram showing worse thresholds supports an increase.
2. File a claim for increase. Submit VA Form 21-526EZ or file online through VA.gov, requesting an increased evaluation for your already service-connected hearing loss.
3. Submit a private audiological evaluation. A detailed report from a private audiologist that includes both puretone and speech discrimination testing can supplement or challenge the VA's results.
4. Request a new C&P exam. The VA will schedule a new exam to reassess your current level of hearing loss.

Note that the VA can also reduce your rating if a new exam shows improvement. However, reductions require specific procedural protections, and your rating is generally protected after it has been in place for 5 or more years.

Presumptive Service Connection for Hearing Loss

Unlike some conditions, hearing loss and tinnitus do not have a blanket presumptive service connection. You must always provide evidence of an in-service event and a medical nexus. However, certain factors strengthen the presumption of service connection:

• Noise-hazardous MOS. If your military occupational specialty is on the VA's list of combat or noise-hazardous specialties, your noise exposure during service is more readily accepted.
• Combat veterans. Veterans who served in combat zones may qualify for presumptive service connection for conditions like tinnitus under the broader combat veteran provisions.
• Recent separation. If you file within one year of separation, the VA may presume the condition began in service if it was noted on your separation exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get rated for both hearing loss and tinnitus?

Yes. They are separate conditions with separate diagnostic codes. You can receive a rating for both, and they are combined using the VA's combined ratings table.

What if I have hearing loss in only one ear?

Unilateral hearing loss is rated under the same criteria. You will not receive the bilateral factor, but you can still receive a compensable rating if the loss is severe enough.

Can the VA take away my tinnitus rating?

Tinnitus is generally considered a permanent condition. The VA rarely reduces or removes a tinnitus rating once granted, unless there is clear evidence the original grant was based on fraud.

Do I need a hearing aid to get a rating for hearing loss?

No. Your rating is based on audiometric test results, not on whether you use a hearing aid. However, using a hearing aid can support the severity of your claim.

How long does it take to get a decision on a hearing loss claim?

Average processing times vary, but most claims are decided within 3–6 months. Claims filed with complete evidence (including a private nexus letter and audiogram) may be processed faster.

Can I work and still get a rating for hearing loss?

Yes. Unlike TDIU or individual unemployability, hearing loss ratings are not affected by your employment status. You can work full-time and receive your full rating.

Key Resources

• VA Disability Eligibility
• VA Disability Compensation Rates
• VBA Compensation Service
• VA Hearing Loss Care

Key Takeaways

• Tinnitus is rated at 10% — the maximum schedular rating for that condition alone.
• Hearing loss ratings range from 0% to 100% based on puretone thresholds and speech discrimination scores.
• Most veterans receive a 0% or 10% rating for hearing loss, but even 0% establishes service connection.
• Service-connected hearing loss qualifies you for free VA hearing aids regardless of your rating percentage.
• You need a current diagnosis, evidence of in-service noise exposure, and a medical nexus to file a successful claim.
• The bilateral factor adds extra weight when both ears are affected.
• If your hearing worsens, you can file for an increased rating at any time.