What rates 80% for Sensorineural 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 Sensorineural Hearing Loss requires: Representative Table VII combinations yielding 80%: Level IX + Level XI; Level X + Level X. Near-total bilateral deafness.

What happens during a C&P exam for Sensorineural 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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Sensorineural Hearing Loss

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

Sensorineural 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 Sensorineural 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 Sensorineural 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 Sensorineural 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 Sensorineural 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 Sensorineural 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 Sensorineural 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 Sensorineural 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 Sensorineural 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 Sensorineural 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 Sensorineural 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 Sensorineural 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 Sensorineural 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 Sensorineural 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 Sensorineural 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 Sensorineural 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 Sensorineural 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

Sensorineural 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.

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

Overview

Hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve pathways to the brain. The most common type of permanent hearing loss in veterans, typically caused by noise exposure, blast injuries, or aging.

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.

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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