What happens during a C&P exam for Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)?

Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms. Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

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Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)?

Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) (DC 6100) is rated at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% under 38 CFR § 4.85 + § 4.87, DC 6100 (hearing residual via § 4.85 Tables VI/VIa/VII; cluster components — DC 6204 vertigo, DC 8207 facial nerve, DC 6260 tinnitus — combined per § 4.25). § 4.85 methodology: (1) state-licensed audiologist performs Maryland CNC controlled speech discrimination test + puretone audiometry at 1000/2000/3000/4000 Hz, WITHOUT hearing aids per § 4.85(a). (2) Calculate puretone threshold average for each ear: sum of 4 thresholds / 4 per § 4.85(d). (3) Cross-reference Table VI (puretone + speech) → Roman numeral Level I-XI for each ear; use Table VIa (puretone only) if speech test inappropriate or per § 4.86 exceptional patterns. (4) Cross-reference Table VII with both ears (rows = better ear, columns = poorer ear) → final percent rating. (5) Per § 4.86(a), if puretone ≥55 dB at ALL four frequencies, use whichever of Table VI/VIa gives the higher numeral. Per § 4.86(b), if puretone ≤30 dB at 1000 Hz AND ≥70 dB at 2000 Hz, use higher of VI/VIa, then ELEVATE one Roman numeral level. Representative Table VII combinations yielding 0%: Level I + Level I (mild bilateral); Level I + Levels II/III/IV (one ear mild, other ear mild-moderate); Level II + Level II/III; Level III + Level III/IV.

Q: What rates 0% for Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) under 38 CFR § 4.85 + § 4.87, DC 6100 (hearing residual via § 4.85 Tables VI/VIa/VII; cluster components — DC 6204 vertigo, DC 8207 facial nerve, DC 6260 tinnitus — combined per § 4.25)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.85 + § 4.87, DC 6100 (hearing residual via § 4.85 Tables VI/VIa/VII; cluster components — DC 6204 vertigo, DC 8207 facial nerve, DC 6260 tinnitus — combined per § 4.25) (DC 6100), a 0% rating for Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) requires: § 4.85 methodology: (1) state-licensed audiologist performs Maryland CNC controlled speech discrimination test + puretone audiometry at 1000/2000/3000/4000 Hz, WITHOUT hearing aids per § 4.85(a). (2) Calculate puretone threshold average for each ear: sum of 4 thresholds / 4 per § 4.85(d). (3) Cross-reference Table VI (puretone + speech) → Roman numeral Level I-XI for each ear; use Table VIa (puretone only) if speech test inappropriate or per § 4.86 exceptional patterns. (4) Cross-reference Table VII with both ears (rows = better ear, columns = poorer ear) → final percent rating. (5) Per § 4.86(a), if puretone ≥55 dB at ALL four frequencies, use whichever of Table VI/VIa gives the higher numeral. Per § 4.86(b), if puretone ≤30 dB at 1000 Hz AND ≥70 dB at 2000 Hz, use higher of VI/VIa, then ELEVATE one Roman numeral level. Representative Table VII combinations yielding 0%: Level I + Level I (mild bilateral); Level I + Levels II/III/IV (one ear mild, other ear mild-moderate); Level II + Level II/III; Level III + Level III/IV.

Q: What rates 10% for Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) under 38 CFR § 4.85 + § 4.87, DC 6100 (hearing residual via § 4.85 Tables VI/VIa/VII; cluster components — DC 6204 vertigo, DC 8207 facial nerve, DC 6260 tinnitus — combined per § 4.25)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.85 + § 4.87, DC 6100 (hearing residual via § 4.85 Tables VI/VIa/VII; cluster components — DC 6204 vertigo, DC 8207 facial nerve, DC 6260 tinnitus — combined per § 4.25) (DC 6100), a 10% rating for Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) requires: Representative Table VII combinations yielding 10%: Level I + Level V/VI (one ear mild, other ear moderate); Level II + Level V/VI; Level III + Level V; Level IV + Level IV/V; Level V + Level V (both ears moderate). Typical for moderate bilateral noise-induced loss or one moderate / one mild ear.

Q: What rates 20% for Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) under 38 CFR § 4.85 + § 4.87, DC 6100 (hearing residual via § 4.85 Tables VI/VIa/VII; cluster components — DC 6204 vertigo, DC 8207 facial nerve, DC 6260 tinnitus — combined per § 4.25)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.85 + § 4.87, DC 6100 (hearing residual via § 4.85 Tables VI/VIa/VII; cluster components — DC 6204 vertigo, DC 8207 facial nerve, DC 6260 tinnitus — combined per § 4.25) (DC 6100), a 20% rating for Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) requires: Representative Table VII combinations yielding 20%: Level III + Level VII; Level IV + Level VI/VII; Level V + Level VI/VII; Level VI + Level VI (both ears moderate-severe). Typical for both ears at moderate-severe levels or asymmetric moderate-to-severe.

Q: What rates 30% for Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) under 38 CFR § 4.85 + § 4.87, DC 6100 (hearing residual via § 4.85 Tables VI/VIa/VII; cluster components — DC 6204 vertigo, DC 8207 facial nerve, DC 6260 tinnitus — combined per § 4.25)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.85 + § 4.87, DC 6100 (hearing residual via § 4.85 Tables VI/VIa/VII; cluster components — DC 6204 vertigo, DC 8207 facial nerve, DC 6260 tinnitus — combined per § 4.25) (DC 6100), a 30% rating for Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) requires: Representative Table VII combinations yielding 30%: Level V + Level VIII; Level VI + Level VII/VIII; Level VII + Level VII (both ears severe). Significant bilateral functional impact; hearing aids often required for everyday communication.

Q: What rates 40% for Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) under 38 CFR § 4.85 + § 4.87, DC 6100 (hearing residual via § 4.85 Tables VI/VIa/VII; cluster components — DC 6204 vertigo, DC 8207 facial nerve, DC 6260 tinnitus — combined per § 4.25)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.85 + § 4.87, DC 6100 (hearing residual via § 4.85 Tables VI/VIa/VII; cluster components — DC 6204 vertigo, DC 8207 facial nerve, DC 6260 tinnitus — combined per § 4.25) (DC 6100), a 40% rating for Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) requires: Representative Table VII combinations yielding 40%: Level V + Level IX; Level VI + Level VIII/IX; Level VII + Level VIII; Level VIII + Level VIII. Severe bilateral loss; conversation requires shouting, lip-reading, or assistive listening devices.

Q: What rates 50% for Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) under 38 CFR § 4.85 + § 4.87, DC 6100 (hearing residual via § 4.85 Tables VI/VIa/VII; cluster components — DC 6204 vertigo, DC 8207 facial nerve, DC 6260 tinnitus — combined per § 4.25)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.85 + § 4.87, DC 6100 (hearing residual via § 4.85 Tables VI/VIa/VII; cluster components — DC 6204 vertigo, DC 8207 facial nerve, DC 6260 tinnitus — combined per § 4.25) (DC 6100), a 50% rating for Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) requires: Representative Table VII combinations yielding 50%: Level VI + Level X; Level VII + Level IX; Level VIII + Level VIII/IX (both ears severe/profound). Profound bilateral hearing loss; significant social/occupational disability.

Q: What rates 60% for Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) under 38 CFR § 4.85 + § 4.87, DC 6100 (hearing residual via § 4.85 Tables VI/VIa/VII; cluster components — DC 6204 vertigo, DC 8207 facial nerve, DC 6260 tinnitus — combined per § 4.25)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.85 + § 4.87, DC 6100 (hearing residual via § 4.85 Tables VI/VIa/VII; cluster components — DC 6204 vertigo, DC 8207 facial nerve, DC 6260 tinnitus — combined per § 4.25) (DC 6100), a 60% rating for Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) requires: Representative Table VII combinations yielding 60%: Level VII + Level X; Level VIII + Level IX; Level IX + Level IX. Severe-to-profound bilateral; cochlear implant candidacy threshold typically discussed at this level.

Q: What rates 70% for Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) under 38 CFR § 4.85 + § 4.87, DC 6100 (hearing residual via § 4.85 Tables VI/VIa/VII; cluster components — DC 6204 vertigo, DC 8207 facial nerve, DC 6260 tinnitus — combined per § 4.25)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.85 + § 4.87, DC 6100 (hearing residual via § 4.85 Tables VI/VIa/VII; cluster components — DC 6204 vertigo, DC 8207 facial nerve, DC 6260 tinnitus — combined per § 4.25) (DC 6100), a 70% rating for Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) requires: Representative Table VII combinations yielding 70%: Level VIII + Level XI; Level IX + Level X. Profound bilateral hearing loss approaching deafness.

Q: What rates 80% for Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) under 38 CFR § 4.85 + § 4.87, DC 6100 (hearing residual via § 4.85 Tables VI/VIa/VII; cluster components — DC 6204 vertigo, DC 8207 facial nerve, DC 6260 tinnitus — combined per § 4.25)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.85 + § 4.87, DC 6100 (hearing residual via § 4.85 Tables VI/VIa/VII; cluster components — DC 6204 vertigo, DC 8207 facial nerve, DC 6260 tinnitus — combined per § 4.25) (DC 6100), a 80% rating for Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) requires: Representative Table VII combinations yielding 80%: Level IX + Level XI; Level X + Level X. Near-total bilateral deafness.

DC 610038 C.F.R. § 4.85 + § 4.87, DC 6100 (hearing residual via § 4.85 Tables VI/VIa/VII; cluster components — DC 6204 vertigo, DC 8207 facial nerve

Diagnostic Code

DC 6100

38 C.F.R. § 4.85 + § 4.87, DC 6100 (hearing residual via § 4.85 Tables VI/VIa/VII; cluster components — DC 6204 vertigo, DC 8207 facial nerve

Rating Range

0–100%

11 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6100 of 38 CFR § 4.85 + § 4.87, DC 6100 (hearing residual via § 4.85 Tables VI/VIa/VII; cluster components — DC 6204 vertigo, DC 8207 facial nerve, DC 6260 tinnitus — combined per § 4.25) across 11 severity tiers (0% / 10% / 20% / 30% / 40%…). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Benign, slow-growing tumor on the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII) connecting the inner ear to the brain. Causes progressive unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance problems. May compress the brainstem in advanced cases.

Rating Criteria

§ 4.85 methodology: (1) state-licensed audiologist performs Maryland CNC controlled speech discrimination test + puretone audiometry at 1000/2000/3000/4000 Hz, WITHOUT hearing aids per § 4.85(a). (2) Calculate puretone threshold average for each ear: sum of 4 thresholds / 4 per § 4.85(d). (3) Cross-reference Table VI (puretone + speech) → Roman numeral Level I-XI for each ear; use Table VIa (puretone only) if speech test inappropriate or per § 4.86 exceptional patterns. (4) Cross-reference Table VII with both ears (rows = better ear, columns = poorer ear) → final percent rating. (5) Per § 4.86(a), if puretone ≥55 dB at ALL four frequencies, use whichever of Table VI/VIa gives the higher numeral. Per § 4.86(b), if puretone ≤30 dB at 1000 Hz AND ≥70 dB at 2000 Hz, use higher of VI/VIa, then ELEVATE one Roman numeral level. Representative Table VII combinations yielding 0%: Level I + Level I (mild bilateral); Level I + Levels II/III/IV (one ear mild, other ear mild-moderate); Level II + Level II/III; Level III + Level III/IV.

10%

Representative Table VII combinations yielding 10%: Level I + Level V/VI (one ear mild, other ear moderate); Level II + Level V/VI; Level III + Level V; Level IV + Level IV/V; Level V + Level V (both ears moderate). Typical for moderate bilateral noise-induced loss or one moderate / one mild ear.

20%

Representative Table VII combinations yielding 20%: Level III + Level VII; Level IV + Level VI/VII; Level V + Level VI/VII; Level VI + Level VI (both ears moderate-severe). Typical for both ears at moderate-severe levels or asymmetric moderate-to-severe.

30%

Representative Table VII combinations yielding 30%: Level V + Level VIII; Level VI + Level VII/VIII; Level VII + Level VII (both ears severe). Significant bilateral functional impact; hearing aids often required for everyday communication.

40%

Representative Table VII combinations yielding 40%: Level V + Level IX; Level VI + Level VIII/IX; Level VII + Level VIII; Level VIII + Level VIII. Severe bilateral loss; conversation requires shouting, lip-reading, or assistive listening devices.

50%

Representative Table VII combinations yielding 50%: Level VI + Level X; Level VII + Level IX; Level VIII + Level VIII/IX (both ears severe/profound). Profound bilateral hearing loss; significant social/occupational disability.

60%

Representative Table VII combinations yielding 60%: Level VII + Level X; Level VIII + Level IX; Level IX + Level IX. Severe-to-profound bilateral; cochlear implant candidacy threshold typically discussed at this level.

70%

Representative Table VII combinations yielding 70%: Level VIII + Level XI; Level IX + Level X. Profound bilateral hearing loss approaching deafness.

80%

Representative Table VII combinations yielding 80%: Level IX + Level XI; Level X + Level X. Near-total bilateral deafness.

90%

Representative Table VII combinations yielding 90%: Level X + Level XI. Near-complete bilateral deafness with minimal residual hearing.

100%

Representative Table VII combinations yielding 100%: Level XI + Level XI (profound deafness in both ears) — also triggers § 3.350 SMC entitlement review for total deafness under 38 USC § 1114(l).

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records

—Current medical diagnosis and treatment records

—Buddy/lay statements

—Prescription history

—Employment impact documentation

—Any relevant diagnostic testing

04C&P Exam Tips

1Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.

2Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

3Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.

4Mention all medications and their side effects.

5Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.

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Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.

View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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