Hearing loss is the rating with the least room for argument and the most disappointment. Two tables convert booth measurements into a percentage, and real, daily hearing struggle often lands at 0. That 0 percent grant still matters, because it locks in service connection for the day your hearing worsens. The exceptional-pattern rules can also rescue a rating the standard table shortchanges.
How VA rates hearing loss under DC 6100
Hearing loss is rated under diagnostic code 6100 in 38 CFR 4.85. It is one of the few ratings with almost no room for judgment. The percentage comes from a table, built from two specific measurements taken by a state-licensed audiologist in a sound-controlled booth.
The two measurements
- Puretone threshold average. The average of your hearing thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz, in each ear.
- Speech discrimination, using the Maryland CNC test. A controlled word-recognition test that reports the percentage of words you understood. VA requires the Maryland CNC as the standard instrument. In rare cases where it cannot be administered, the examiner must document which test was used and why. Such exams may still be ratable but will face scrutiny, so make sure the Maryland CNC is used whenever possible.
How the table works
- Table VI takes your puretone average and your Maryland CNC score and converts them into a Roman numeral (I through XI) for each ear. I is essentially normal; XI is profound loss.
- Table VII takes the two Roman numerals, one per ear, and produces your percentage, from 0 to 100.
Because both ears feed the final number, one bad ear and one good ear often yields a low combined rating.
Exceptional patterns (38 CFR 4.86)
There is a relief valve. If your puretone thresholds are 55 dB or more at all four frequencies, or 30 dB or less at 1000 Hz with 70 dB or more at 2000 Hz, VA can use Table VIA (puretone average alone, ignoring speech discrimination) when that produces a better result. This helps veterans whose word recognition tests artificially high.
Common points veterans overlook
- Zero percent is common, even with real hearing loss, because the table is strict. A 0 percent rating still establishes service connection and protects you if your hearing worsens later.
- The exam must use the Maryland CNC and puretone testing in a booth. An exam missing either piece may be inadequate and can be challenged.
- Tinnitus is separate. The ringing is rated on its own under code 6260 at a single 10 percent, so file both.
- Exceptional patterns can rescue a rating. If your thresholds hit the 4.86 triggers, ask that Table VIA be considered.
- Re-test if it got worse. Hearing changes over time, and a newer audiogram can support a higher rating.
Related on this site
- How VA rates vertigo (DC 6204)
- How VA rates Meniere's disease (DC 6205)
- How VA rates tinnitus (DC 6260): the 10 percent cap
- When a C&P exam is inadequate, and what to do
- Combined VA ratings and the 10 percent rule
- Secondary service connection, explained
Common questions
How does VA calculate a hearing loss rating?
By table, with almost no room for judgment. Two measurements from a state licensed audiologist in a sound controlled booth feed the math: the puretone threshold average (your hearing thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in each ear) and the Maryland CNC speech discrimination score. Table VI converts them into a Roman numeral for each ear, and Table VII turns the two numerals into your percentage from 0 to 100.
Why did I get 0 percent for hearing loss that is real?
Because the table is strict, 0 percent is common even with genuine hearing loss, and one bad ear paired with one good ear often yields a low combined result. A 0 percent rating still establishes service connection, which protects you: if the hearing worsens later, a newer audiogram supports a simple increase claim without re-proving the connection.
What is the Maryland CNC test and is it required?
A controlled word recognition test that reports the percentage of words you understood. VA requires it as the standard instrument alongside puretone testing in a booth. If an exam skips either piece, it may be inadequate and can be challenged; in rare cases where the Maryland CNC cannot be administered, the examiner must document which test was used and why.
What are the exceptional hearing loss patterns under 38 CFR 4.86?
A relief valve for veterans whose word recognition tests artificially high. If your puretone thresholds are 55 dB or more at all four frequencies, or 30 dB or less at 1000 Hz with 70 dB or more at 2000 Hz, VA can use Table VIA, which relies on the puretone average alone, whenever that produces a better result. If your thresholds hit those triggers, ask that Table VIA be considered.
Is tinnitus included in a hearing loss rating?
No. Tinnitus is rated on its own under diagnostic code 6260 at a single 10 percent, separate from the hearing loss percentage under 6100. The two conditions usually travel together, so file both; each evaluation counts toward your combined rating.