What rates 80% for Bilateral Hearing Loss under 38 CFR § 4.85--4.86, DC 6100?

Under 38 CFR § 4.85--4.86, DC 6100 (DC 6100), a 80% rating for Bilateral Hearing Loss requires: Representative Table VII combinations yielding 80%: Level IX + Level XI; Level X + Level X. Near-total bilateral deafness.

What secondary conditions are linked to Bilateral Hearing Loss?

Common secondary conditions for Bilateral Hearing Loss include Tinnitus, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Social Isolation, Cognitive Decline. Secondary service connection is established under 38 C.F.R. 3.310 when a condition is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability.

What happens during a C&P exam for Bilateral Hearing Loss?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

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Bilateral Hearing Loss

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Bilateral Hearing Loss?

Bilateral Hearing Loss (DC 6100) is rated at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% under 38 CFR § 4.85--4.86, DC 6100. § 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 Bilateral Hearing Loss under 38 CFR § 4.85--4.86, DC 6100?

Under 38 CFR § 4.85--4.86, DC 6100 (DC 6100), a 0% rating for Bilateral Hearing Loss 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 Bilateral Hearing Loss under 38 CFR § 4.85--4.86, DC 6100?

Under 38 CFR § 4.85--4.86, DC 6100 (DC 6100), a 10% rating for Bilateral Hearing Loss 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 Bilateral Hearing Loss under 38 CFR § 4.85--4.86, DC 6100?

Under 38 CFR § 4.85--4.86, DC 6100 (DC 6100), a 20% rating for Bilateral Hearing Loss 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 Bilateral Hearing Loss under 38 CFR § 4.85--4.86, DC 6100?

Under 38 CFR § 4.85--4.86, DC 6100 (DC 6100), a 30% rating for Bilateral Hearing Loss 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 Bilateral Hearing Loss under 38 CFR § 4.85--4.86, DC 6100?

Under 38 CFR § 4.85--4.86, DC 6100 (DC 6100), a 40% rating for Bilateral Hearing Loss 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 Bilateral Hearing Loss under 38 CFR § 4.85--4.86, DC 6100?

Under 38 CFR § 4.85--4.86, DC 6100 (DC 6100), a 50% rating for Bilateral Hearing Loss 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 Bilateral Hearing Loss under 38 CFR § 4.85--4.86, DC 6100?

Under 38 CFR § 4.85--4.86, DC 6100 (DC 6100), a 60% rating for Bilateral Hearing Loss 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 Bilateral Hearing Loss under 38 CFR § 4.85--4.86, DC 6100?

Under 38 CFR § 4.85--4.86, DC 6100 (DC 6100), a 70% rating for Bilateral Hearing Loss requires: Representative Table VII combinations yielding 70%: Level VIII + Level XI; Level IX + Level X. Profound bilateral hearing loss approaching deafness.

DC 610038 C.F.R. § 4.85--4.86

Diagnostic Code

DC 6100

38 C.F.R. § 4.85--4.86

Rating Range

0–100%

11 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Bilateral Hearing Loss is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6100 of 38 CFR § 4.85--4.86, DC 6100 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. This condition is frequently rated as secondary to Tinnitus or Major Depressive Disorder under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.

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

Overview

Diminished hearing acuity in both ears, rated objectively based on puretone audiometric thresholds and speech discrimination scores using the Maryland CNC word list. The most common service-connected condition among veterans.

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 showing injury or complaints

—Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)

—Range of motion measurements

—Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin

—Buddy statements describing limitations

—Prescription history

—Physical therapy records

—Employment impact documentation

04C&P Exam Tips

1Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.

2Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

3Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.

4Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).

5If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.

6Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.

05Secondary Conditions

TinnitusMODERATE

Cochlear damage commonly causes both conditions

Major Depressive DisorderMODERATE

Social isolation and communication difficulties cause depression

Anxiety DisorderMODERATE

Difficulty communicating causes social anxiety

Social IsolationMODERATE

Communication difficulties lead to withdrawal

Cognitive DeclineMODERATE

Reduced auditory input accelerates cognitive decline

Balance DisorderMODERATE

Inner ear damage affects vestibular function

VertigoMODERATE

Cochlear and vestibular systems often damaged together

DepressionMODERATE

Social isolation and communication difficulty

Social AnxietyMODERATE

Difficulty in social situations

Balance ProblemsMODERATE

Inner ear damage affects vestibular system

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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