VA Disability Ratings for Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

Millions of U.S. veterans suffer from hearing-related conditions, most commonly hearing loss and tinnitus, as a direct result of their military service. These conditions are often caused by exposure to loud noises during active duty, such as gunfire, explosions, aircraft, and heavy machinery. 

If you’re a veteran who is experiencing these issues, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation. The Veterans Benefits Law Group specializes in helping veterans obtain the benefits they have earned. Our attorneys can assist you in navigating the complex benefits process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

What Causes Service-Related Hearing Problems?

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) acknowledges that military service can involve prolonged exposure to harmful noise levels. According to the VA’s National Center for Rehabilitation Audiology Research, noise-induced hearing loss is among the most common service-related disabilities among veterans. Some common sources of auditory damage during military service include:

• Combat operations
• Repeated gunfire
• Explosions and blasts
• Aircraft and engine noise
• Industrial machinery

If your hearing problems are caused by any of these conditions, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits.

Who Is Eligible for VA Disability for Hearing Loss or Tinnitus?

To receive VA disability benefits for hearing loss or tinnitus, you need to meet three important criteria as outlined in 38 CFR § 3.303:

1. You must have a current diagnosis of hearing loss or tinnitus from a qualified medical professional.
2. There must be evidence of an event during your service that caused the hearing loss or tinnitus (e.g., exposure to noise during deployment or training).
3. There should be a medical nexus, which is a doctor’s opinion that links your current condition to your military service. 

The VA will use this information to assign a disability rating that determines your monthly tax-free benefit amount.

Understanding VA Disability Ratings for Hearing Loss

The VA evaluates hearing loss using audiometric tests, including pure-tone thresholds and speech discrimination scores (the Maryland CNC test). These results are used to determine your hearing rating by plugging them into Tables VI and VII, as outlined in 38 CFR § 4.85.

Hearing loss ratings can range from 0% (noncompensable) to 100%. Most veterans receive ratings between 0% and 30%, but even a 0% rating may make you eligible for VA health care services, including hearing aids.

Tinnitus is rated under 38 CFR § 4.87 and has a maximum disability rating of 10%, regardless of whether it affects one or both ears, as long as it is recurrent and service-connected.

Is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Permanent?

According to the VA’s Audiology and Speech Pathology Services, noise-induced hearing loss is typically permanent because it results from irreversible damage to the inner ear’s hair cells. While it cannot be cured, the VA provides comprehensive support, including:

• Diagnostic hearing evaluations
• Hearing aid fittings and maintenance
• Tinnitus management programs
• Assistive listening devices

These services are available free of charge for eligible veterans, but only if their condition is related to their military service.

What Is an “In-Service Event”?

An “in-service incident” refers to any event, exposure, or situation that occurred during your military service and may have caused or contributed to your hearing loss. This can include serving on a ship with constant engine noise, working around heavy machinery in an engine room, participating in live-fire exercises, or being near explosions from improvised explosive devices in combat.

Proving this link is essential for your VA disability claim and often requires supporting documents such as service records, statements from other service members, or unit histories that confirm your exposure to loud noises while in uniform.

Getting Tested: The Key to a Successful Claim

To receive a VA disability rating for hearing loss or tinnitus, it is important to undergo proper audiological testing that meets the strict standards set by the VA. This typically includes a Compensation & Pension (C&P) examination or private audiological results that include both pure-tone audiometry and speech recognition testing using the Maryland CNC word list.

Without compliant, VA-accepted test results, your claim may be denied, even if your hearing impairment is severe or obvious in your daily life. Accurate and comprehensive testing not only confirms the existence of your condition, but also directly determines your disability rating and the amount of monthly compensation you will receive. This is a crucial step in building a successful claim.

VA Services for Veterans with Hearing Conditions

The VA is required to provide comprehensive audiological services to eligible veterans in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 1710. These services include:

• Free hearing screenings
• Custom hearing aids
• Tinnitus counseling
• Communication strategies training

Accessing these benefits, however, requires a service connection, which is where legal representation can make a significant difference.

Contact a Hearing Loss Attorney

If you are a veteran who is struggling with hearing loss or tinnitus as a result of your military service, you deserve compensation and support. At the Veterans Benefits Law Group, we can help you navigate the complex Veterans Administration (VA) claims process in Mississippi and across the country. 
Don’t delay. Call us at (601) 414-3707 for a free consultation with no obligation. Let us help you fight for the benefits that you deserve after serving your country.