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Hearing and Tinnitus

Hearing loss and tinnitus.

Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)
Diagnostic code 8003

Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) is rated under diagnostic code 8003 as a benign growth of the brain: a minimum 60 percent while the tumor is active or under treatment, then rated on residuals once it is stable. Residuals such as hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and facial weakness are each rated separately under their own criteria and combined.

Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media
Diagnostic code 6200

Chronic suppurative otitis media is rated under diagnostic code 6200 at 10 percent during active disease, with separate ratings for any hearing loss residuals.

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Diagnostic code 6201

Eustachian tube dysfunction is rated by analogy under diagnostic code 6201 (chronic nonsuppurative otitis media) at 0 or 10 percent based on severity.

Hearing Loss
Diagnostic code 6100

Hearing loss is rated under diagnostic code 6100 using a table that converts pure tone thresholds and speech discrimination scores into a Roman numeral, then into a percentage.

Hyperacusis (Sound Sensitivity)
Diagnostic code 6260

Hyperacusis (painful sensitivity to ordinary sounds) has no diagnostic code of its own. VA rates it by analogy under 38 CFR 4.87, and it is frequently claimed alongside tinnitus (DC 6260, a flat 10 percent) and hearing loss. On its own it is often a low or 0 percent rating, but it strengthens a broader ear-and-hearing claim.

Loss of the Outer Ear (Auricle)
Diagnostic code 6207

Loss of the auricle is rated under diagnostic code 6207: 50 percent for complete loss of both ears, 30 percent for complete loss of one ear, and 10 percent for deformity of one ear with loss of one third or more of its substance. Hearing loss and disfigurement can rate separately.

Meniere's Disease
Diagnostic code 6205

Meniere's disease is rated under diagnostic code 6205 at 30, 60, or 100 percent based on the frequency of attacks of vertigo and the impact on hearing.

Tinnitus
Diagnostic code 6260

Recurrent tinnitus is rated at a maximum of 10 percent under diagnostic code 6260. Whether it is unilateral or bilateral, the rating does not exceed 10 percent.

Tinnitus Secondary Considerations
Diagnostic code 6260

While tinnitus itself caps at 10 percent, some secondary conditions can be considered separately when supported by medical evidence.

Tympanic Membrane Perforation
Diagnostic code 6211

Tympanic membrane perforation is rated under 38 CFR 4.87 DC 6211 at 0 percent for perforation alone; resulting hearing loss is separately rated under DC 6100.

Vestibular Disorders (Non-Meniere)
Diagnostic code 6204

Peripheral vestibular disorder is rated under diagnostic code 6204 at 10 or 30 percent based on attack frequency and dizziness severity.

Printed from The Veteran Benefit Desk - https://veteranbenefitdesk.com/conditions/body-system/hearing-and-tinnitus. Figures reflect this page as published. Rates change each December; confirm current amounts at veteranbenefitdesk.com before relying on them.
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Hearing and Tinnitus - VA Disability Conditions