Hearing loss DC 6100
VA rates it under diagnostic code 6100 in 38 CFR 4.85. Body system: Ears & hearing.
Also searched as: bilateral hearing loss, deafness, hard of hearing.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 11 rating levels for this code: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%. VA picks the level whose criteria best match your symptoms and records.
Rated from audiogram results (puretone average and speech recognition).
Rated from audiogram results (§ 4.85 Table VII).
Source: 38 CFR 4.85 on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | See 38 CFR 4.85, DC 6100. |
| 90% | See 38 CFR 4.85, DC 6100. |
| 80% | See 38 CFR 4.85, DC 6100. |
| 70% | See 38 CFR 4.85, DC 6100. |
| 60% | See 38 CFR 4.85, DC 6100. |
| 50% | See 38 CFR 4.85, DC 6100. |
| 40% | See 38 CFR 4.85, DC 6100. |
| 30% | See 38 CFR 4.85, DC 6100. |
| 20% | See 38 CFR 4.85, DC 6100. |
| 10% | See 38 CFR 4.85, DC 6100. |
| 0% | See 38 CFR 4.85, DC 6100. |
How VA measures it
(a) An examination for hearing impairment for VA purposes must be conducted by a state-licensed audiologist and must include a controlled speech discrimination test (Maryland CNC) and a puretone audiometry test. Examinations will be conducted without the use of hearing aids.
(b) Table VI, “Numeric Designation of Hearing Impairment Based on Puretone Threshold Average and Speech Discrimination,” is used to determine a Roman numeral designation (I through XI) for hearing impairment based on a combination of the percent of speech discrimination (horizontal rows) and the puretone threshold average (vertical columns). The Roman numeral designation is located at the point where the percentage of speech discrimination and puretone threshold average intersect.
(c) Table VIa, “Numeric Designation of Hearing Impairment Based Only on Puretone Threshold Average,” is used to determine a Roman numeral designation (I through XI) for hearing impairment based only on the puretone threshold average. Table VIa will be used when the examiner certifies that use of the speech discrimination test is not appropriate because of language difficulties, inconsistent speech discrimination scores, etc., or when indicated under the provisions of § 4.86.
(d) “Puretone threshold average,” as used in Tables VI and VIa, is the sum of the puretone thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hertz, divided by four. This average is used in all cases (including those in § 4.86) to determine the Roman numeral designation for hearing impairment from Table VI or VIa.
(e) Table VII, “Percentage Evaluations for Hearing Impairment,” is used to determine the percentage evaluation by combining the Roman numeral designations for hearing impairment of each ear. The horizontal rows represent the ear having the better hearing and the vertical columns the ear having the poorer hearing. The percentage evaluation is located at the point where the row and column intersect.
(f) If impaired hearing is service-connected in only one ear, in order to determine the percentage evaluation from Table VII, the non-service-connected ear will be assigned a Roman Numeral designation for hearing impairment of I, subject to the provisions of § 3.383 of this chapter.
(g) When evaluating any claim for impaired hearing, refer to § 3.350 of this chapter to determine whether the veteran may be entitled to special monthly compensation due either to deafness, or to deafness in combination with other specified disabilities.
Conditions it can lead to
If this condition is service connected, these conditions are often claimed as secondary to it (38 CFR 3.310). Each one still needs its own diagnosis.
Tinnitus DC 6260 Established link
Most people with tinnitus have some hearing loss, and NIH describes hearing loss as strongly associated with it.
What to gather: Report the ringing at your hearing exam. If tinnitus isn't already service connected on its own, ask the audiologist whether it is at least as likely as not caused by your hearing loss.
Sources: 38 CFR 3.310 (secondary service connection); NIDCD (NIH): Tinnitus; 38 CFR 4.87
Commonly claimed as secondary to
If one of these is already service connected, you may be able to claim this condition as secondary to it.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) DC 8045 Established link Rated separately
VA's TBI rule lists hearing loss as a physical residual rated under its own code.
What to gather: An audiogram from a VA-approved hearing test (Maryland CNC speech test and puretone thresholds).
Sources: 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8045 (rate TBI residuals with their own diagnosis separately); 38 CFR 4.85
Presumptive rules that include it
If your service matches one of these, VA presumes the link to service and you do not need a medical opinion connecting it.
Chronic diseases that show up within a year of discharge
Covered: Sensorineural hearing loss, which VA treats as an organic disease of the nervous system.
Time limit: At least 10% disabling within 1 year of discharge.
Who qualifies: 90 days or more of continuous active service during a war period or after December 31, 1946, and the disease reached at least 10% disabling within 1 year of leaving service (3 years for tuberculosis and Hansen's disease, 7 years for multiple sclerosis).
38 CFR 3.307(a)(3) and 3.309(a). Sources: 38 CFR 3.307; 38 CFR 3.309; VA M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 2, Section B: Conditions of the auditory system
Related medications
Medications that can cause or worsen it
If you take one of these for a service-connected condition, this condition may be claimable as secondary to that condition. You need a diagnosis, your prescription records, and a medical opinion.
Loop diuretics (for example furosemide, bumetanide, torsemide) Possible link
Loop diuretic labels warn about hearing damage, mostly with high doses.
Sources: FDA label: Furosemide (DailyMed); Loop diuretic ototoxicity (PubMed)
PDE5 inhibitors (for example sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, avanafil) Possible link
PDE5 inhibitor labels warn about sudden hearing loss, which is rare.
Sources: FDA label: Sildenafil (DailyMed)
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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