VASRD 6100 · Ears, Nose, Throat (ENT)

Sensorineural Hearing Loss VA Disability Rating

Hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, making it hard to hear clearly or distinguish words.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%Severe hearing loss in both ears, barely able to understand speech even with hearing aids.
50%Struggles to understand normal speech even with amplification.
10%Mild to moderate hearing loss, has trouble understanding in noisy places.
0%Hearing is slightly reduced but not enough to receive benefits.

How the VA Evaluates Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Based on controlled speech discrimination test (Maryland CNC) and puretone threshold averages across tested frequencies (500, 1000, 2000, 3000 Hz).

Approval rate

Moderate – depends heavily on validated audiological testing.

Annual service-connected

132,000 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •VA audiogram with Maryland CNC speech testing
  • •Hearing aid prescription records
  • •Statements from coworkers/family noting communication problems

Strategy Tips

  • •Submit both ears separately if asymmetrical loss
  • •Document difficulty in work or social settings
  • •Link with MOS noise profile or flight line work

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Incomplete or non-VA compliant audiogram
  • •Self-reported symptoms without clinical testing
  • •Using incorrect test types (non-Maryland CNC)

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •No speech discrimination scores included
  • •Submitting non-compliant civilian test results
  • •Not clarifying military noise exposure

Onset Patterns

  • •Gradual loss from long-term loud noise exposure
  • •Sudden onset from acoustic trauma or explosion
  • •Worsens with age if untreated

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Sensorineural Hearing Loss. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Tinnitus

    Often co-occurs due to inner ear damage

  • Depression

    Social isolation from hearing difficulty

  • Cognitive Decline

    Untreated hearing loss strains memory and processing

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Sensorineural Hearing Loss is frequently claimed.

Army00BDiverArmy11AInfantry OfficerArmy11BInfantrymanArmy11CIndirect Fire InfantrymanArmy11ZInfantry Senior SergeantArmy12AEngineerArmy12BCombat EngineerArmy12NHorizontal Construction EngineerArmy12PPrime Power Production SpecialistArmy12VConcrete and Asphalt Equipment OperatorArmy12ZEngineering Senior SergeantArmy13AField Artillery Officer

Common questions about Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Is Sensorineural Hearing Loss a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Sensorineural Hearing Loss under VASRD diagnostic code 6100 (Ears, Nose, Throat (ENT)). Hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, making it hard to hear clearly or distinguish words.
What VA disability rating can I get for Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
Possible VA ratings for Sensorineural Hearing Loss are 100%, 50%, 10%, 0%. Examples: 100% — Severe hearing loss in both ears, barely able to understand speech even with hearing aids.; 50% — Struggles to understand normal speech even with amplification.; 10% — Mild to moderate hearing loss, has trouble understanding in…
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
The average awarded rating for Sensorineural Hearing Loss is 10%. Roughly 132,000 veterans are service-connected for Sensorineural Hearing Loss each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – depends heavily on validated audiological testing..
What evidence helps prove Sensorineural Hearing Loss for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Sensorineural Hearing Loss claim includes: VA audiogram with Maryland CNC speech testing; Hearing aid prescription records; Statements from coworkers/family noting communication problems.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
Common pitfalls when filing for Sensorineural Hearing Loss: No speech discrimination scores included; Submitting non-compliant civilian test results; Not clarifying military noise exposure.
Is Sensorineural Hearing Loss a presumptive condition for VA benefits?
Yes — Sensorineural Hearing Loss is recognized as a presumptive condition. Often accepted if MOS had high noise exposure and symptoms began in or shortly after service
What conditions are commonly secondary to Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Sensorineural Hearing Loss include: Tinnitus, Depression, Cognitive Decline. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Sensorineural Hearing Loss combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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