VA Disability Ratings For Hearing Loss And Tinnitus

Hearing loss and tinnitus are among the most common service-connected conditions claimed by Veterans. Military service often involves exposure to loud machinery, gunfire, explosives, and aircraft engines—environments where hearing protection is not always feasible or effective. For many Veterans, these auditory conditions persist long after discharge, impairing communication, job performance, and quality of life.

If you’ve filed a claim for hearing loss or tinnitus and received a denial or low rating, you’re not alone. Despite being common, these claims can be difficult to prove and are often underrated by the VA. Veterans Law Group helps Veterans appeal wrongful decisions and pursue the full compensation they’re entitled to under the law.

Understanding Hearing Loss and Tinnitus in Veterans

Hearing loss involves reduced ability to perceive sound and may affect one or both ears. It can be caused by prolonged noise exposure, head trauma, or age-related deterioration. In Veterans, the most common cause is repeated exposure to hazardous noise during service.

Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears without an external source. It may sound like buzzing, hissing, roaring, or clicking, and it can be constant or intermittent. Tinnitus often accompanies hearing loss but may also occur independently.

Common causes of hearing damage in service include:

• Artillery and gunfire
• Explosive blasts
• Aircraft engine noise
• Ship engine rooms
• Construction and vehicle maintenance environments
• Inadequate or ineffective hearing protection

Veterans often report difficulty hearing conversations, needing to increase volume on devices, or struggling to understand speech in noisy environments. Tinnitus, though invisible, can severely disrupt concentration, sleep, and mental health.

How the VA Rates Hearing Loss

When evaluating hearing loss, the VA relies on specific medical testing conducted by a licensed audiologist. These tests must take place in a controlled, soundproof environment to ensure accuracy. Two primary components are used to determine the severity of hearing impairment: pure tone audiometry and speech discrimination testing.

Pure tone audiometry measures the Veteran’s ability to hear tones at four key frequencies—1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 hertz. The results from these frequencies are averaged to produce what’s known as the Puretone Threshold Average (PTA). This figure reflects the degree of hearing loss in decibels. The second component, the Speech Recognition Score (SRS), measures the percentage of spoken words the Veteran can correctly repeat under standardized test conditions. This score provides insight into how well the Veteran can understand speech in everyday settings.

The VA uses a standardized rating table outlined in 38 CFR §4.85 to convert these test results into Roman numeral designations for each ear, ranging from I (normal) to XI (profound hearing loss). These numerals are then cross-referenced to assign a disability rating, which can range anywhere from 0% to 100%.

In practice, most Veterans receive a 0% or 10% rating unless the hearing loss is particularly severe. Importantly, tinnitus and hearing loss are rated separately, and the VA does not combine them to issue a higher overall percentage. However, if hearing deteriorates over time or new audiometric evidence becomes available, Veterans may request a reevaluation and seek an increased rating.

How the VA Rates Tinnitus

Tinnitus is rated under Diagnostic Code 6260. It receives a maximum rating of 10%, regardless of whether the condition affects one or both ears.

The 10% rating is considered compensation for recurrent tinnitus that affects daily functioning. Additional compensation may be possible if tinnitus is part of a broader condition (e.g., Meniere’s disease), but in most cases, the 10% limit applies.

This can be frustrating for Veterans whose tinnitus severely disrupts sleep, concentration, or mental health. However, secondary conditions—such as anxiety, insomnia, or depression caused by tinnitus—can be claimed separately and may lead to additional VA disability benefits.

Why VA Claims for Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Are Denied or Underrated

Despite the prevalence of hearing problems among Veterans, many claims are denied or assigned low ratings. Common reasons include:

Lack of Service Connection

The VA may deny the claim if there is no evidence that the hearing loss or tinnitus began during or was caused by military service. Veterans who didn’t report symptoms in service may face challenges proving the connection.

Incomplete or Invalid Hearing Tests

Only audiology exams conducted by a VA audiologist or VA-contracted provider are accepted. Tests performed by private providers must follow strict criteria to be valid. If the exam doesn’t meet these standards, it may be disregarded.

No Functional Impact Documented

For hearing loss claims, the VA may discount the severity if there is no statement explaining how it affects communication or daily life. Without this functional impact, the hearing loss may be rated at 0%, even if the Veteran struggles in real-world situations.

Misunderstanding Tinnitus

Some Veterans don’t realize they can file for tinnitus separately or fail to describe the nature, frequency, and severity of the noise. The lack of a clear, consistent report can lead to denial.

How These Conditions Affect Veterans’ Lives

Hearing-related conditions like hearing loss and tinnitus can have far-reaching and deeply personal consequences. For many Veterans, the impact goes far beyond struggling to hear sounds—it affects their emotional well-being, relationships, and ability to work.

Social Isolation and Withdrawal

One of the most common effects of hearing loss is a growing sense of social disconnection. Veterans may find it difficult to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments like restaurants or family gatherings. Over time, this can lead to avoidance of social settings, feelings of loneliness, and frustration. What starts as a physical limitation often becomes a source of emotional distress and disengagement.

Workplace Challenges

Hearing impairments can create serious difficulties on the job. Veterans may miss important instructions, struggle in meetings, or require frequent repetition from coworkers. These limitations can reduce job performance, impact promotions, or even lead to job loss—especially in roles that demand clear communication or auditory awareness. For some, adapting to the workplace becomes impossible without significant accommodations.

Mental Health Effects of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is more than just background noise—it can be a constant, intrusive sound that disrupts sleep, concentration, and peace of mind. Veterans with chronic tinnitus often report irritability, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. In some cases, the condition contributes to or worsens PTSD and depression, creating a vicious cycle of distress and exhaustion.

Communication Barriers in Relationships

Hearing loss can strain personal relationships in subtle but significant ways. Veterans may frequently ask loved ones to repeat themselves or misinterpret what’s being said, leading to frustration on both sides. These repeated breakdowns in communication can erode patience and emotional closeness over time, especially when the impairment is not outwardly visible.

Diminished Quality of Life

For some Veterans, the combined effects of tinnitus and hearing loss cause persistent fatigue, low self-confidence, and diminished quality of life. Sleep disruption, difficulty concentrating, and the inability to fully engage with others can take a long-term emotional toll—one that deserves recognition and appropriate compensation through the VA system.

How a VA Disability Lawyer Can Help

Appealing a denied or underrated claim for hearing loss or tinnitus can be complex and frustrating—especially when you’re also dealing with the daily challenges of these conditions. Veterans Law Group provides strategic legal representation focused solely on VA disability appeals, helping Veterans build stronger, more successful claims.

Reviewing the Denial for Legal or Medical Errors

Our attorneys begin by carefully analyzing the VA’s decision letter and the supporting evidence in your file. We look for missed service records, inaccurate summaries of hearing tests, or failures to apply VA law correctly. Identifying these errors early is key to a focused, successful appeal.

Gathering Valid Audiology Exams

VA rating decisions often hinge on specific test protocols. We ensure Veterans receive exams that include both a controlled speech discrimination test and a puretone audiometry test, as required by 38 C.F.R. § 4.85. Incomplete or invalid tests are a common cause of denial.

Documenting Functional Impact

Beyond test scores, the VA must consider how hearing loss or tinnitus interferes with your daily life. We help collect personal statements and real-world examples—missed instructions at work, safety issues, or communication breakdowns—that demonstrate the true extent of your impairment.

Developing a Strong Nexus Statement

We work with ENT specialists or audiologists to write detailed medical opinions that explain how military noise exposure contributed to your condition, even if it wasn’t documented during service. This is especially vital for delayed-onset hearing loss or tinnitus that wasn’t diagnosed until years after discharge.

Appealing for Increased Ratings

If your symptoms have worsened or your claim was rated too low, we file supplemental claims or appeals with updated exams and evidence. We also assess whether hearing-related disabilities contribute to unemployability and pursue TDIU if appropriate, securing compensation at the 100% level when warranted.

Tips for Strengthening a Hearing Loss or Tinnitus Appeal

Building a successful appeal requires more than just resubmitting the same evidence. These steps can help create a stronger case and improve your chances of receiving the rating you deserve.

Get a VA-Compliant Audiology Test

The VA only accepts hearing tests that meet strict criteria. Make sure your exam includes both puretone audiometry and Maryland CNC speech discrimination testing. These tests must be performed by a licensed audiologist in a sound-controlled environment. Private hearing exams—such as those done by a hearing aid center—may not meet VA standards and could be rejected. If your original denial was based on an incomplete or invalid test, a new VA-compliant exam is critical to move forward.

Submit Personal Statements

Your own account of how hearing loss or tinnitus affects your daily life can provide vital context. Explain how you struggle to hear conversations, follow instructions, or function in noisy environments. Describe the emotional toll, such as frustration, isolation, or fatigue from constantly straining to hear. For tinnitus, detail how the ringing interferes with your sleep, focus, or mental health. The VA is required to consider functional impact as part of the rating process.

Use Buddy Statements

Statements from fellow service members who witnessed your noise exposure or noticed changes in your hearing can help establish service connection—especially if your hearing loss wasn’t documented at the time. Family members and close friends can also describe noticeable difficulties you’ve faced over time, offering real-world proof of the condition’s effects.

Track Worsening Symptoms

If your hearing has declined since your last rating, maintain a log of symptoms and updated medical evaluations. Evidence of progression can justify a higher rating or support Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) if your condition limits your ability to work.

Seek Legal Help Early

An experienced VA disability lawyer can identify legal flaws in the VA’s decision, ensure correct evidence is submitted, and help build a stronger case from the start. Early legal involvement can make the appeals process smoother, faster, and more successful.

The Importance of Acting Now

Hearing loss and tinnitus often worsen over time. Filing an appeal promptly ensures that you protect your effective date and maximize potential back pay. Delaying action may result in lost benefits and weakened evidence.

The sooner a claim is supported with valid tests, expert opinions, and functional evidence, the stronger the appeal. Veterans who take proactive steps—especially with legal guidance—are more likely to secure the rating and compensation they deserve.