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
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 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 outlook
Moderate – depends heavily on validated audiological testing.
Veterans service-connected
1,690,837 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~10%
Veterans service-connected count from the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), as of September 30, 2025. Approval outlook and typical rating are Vetrify editorial estimates — not official VA statistics.
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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.
Common Among These Military Jobs
Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Sensorineural Hearing Loss is frequently claimed.
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 no…
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Sensorineural Hearing Loss at around 10%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. Per the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), 1,690,837 veterans were receiving VA compensation for Sensorineural Hearing Loss as of September 30, 2025. Estimated approval outlook:…
- 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.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.85 — Schedule of ratings — hearing impairment (Diagnostic Code 6100)
- VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025) — veterans service-connected count, as of September 30, 2025
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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