Hearing issues are among the most common disabilities veterans experience after leaving the military. Exposure to gunfire, explosions, heavy machinery, and constant noise can take a serious toll on hearing health. Two of the most frequently reported conditions among former service members are hearing loss and tinnitus. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes both conditions as potentially service-connected disabilities, but the way they are rated—and compensated—can be confusing.
This guide will walk you through how the VA hearing loss rating works, how tinnitus is evaluated, what evidence you’ll need, and how you can strengthen your claim if you believe your condition is connected to your service.
Understanding Hearing Loss in Veterans
Hearing loss can range from mild difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments to near-total deafness. Many veterans develop sensorineural hearing loss, caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. Unlike age-related hearing decline, military-related hearing loss often appears earlier in life and progresses more rapidly due to repeated exposure to loud sounds.
Because hearing problems can severely impact daily life—work, family communication, and even safety—the VA recognizes them as a legitimate disability that may qualify for compensation.
How the VA Rates Hearing Loss
Unlike many other conditions, the VA hearing loss rating is based entirely on specific medical tests. The VA requires two audiology tests:
- Pure-Tone Audiometric Test – Measures the faintest tones you can hear at different pitches (frequency levels).
- Maryland CNC Test – Assesses your ability to understand spoken words at normal volume.
Both tests must be conducted by a licensed audiologist in a sound-controlled room. Importantly, hearing aids are not used during the tests because the VA wants to measure your raw hearing ability.
The results are plugged into a standardized rating table in the VA’s regulations. The tables compare your hearing thresholds and word recognition scores to assign a disability percentage. Ratings usually range from 0% to 100%, but most veterans with hearing loss receive ratings between 0% and 10%.
Why Many Veterans Receive 0% Ratings
One of the most frustrating realities for veterans is that hearing loss is often rated at 0%, even when the condition clearly affects quality of life. This happens because the VA’s formula is rigid and doesn’t consider the real-world struggles of living with hearing impairment—like difficulty following conversations or needing to turn up the TV.
A 0% rating means the VA acknowledges your hearing loss is service-connected but does not award monthly compensation. However, you may still qualify for free VA-provided hearing aids and other medical support.
How the VA Rates Tinnitus
Tinnitus—the perception of ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears—is the most commonly claimed disability among veterans. Unlike hearing loss, tinnitus doesn’t require extensive testing. Instead, it is typically rated based on self-reporting, supported by medical records.
The VA only assigns one standard rating for tinnitus: 10%. This rating applies whether you experience ringing in one ear or both. Unfortunately, 10% is the maximum rating for tinnitus, no matter how severe the condition may be.
Combining Hearing Loss & Tinnitus Ratings
If you have both service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus, the VA will evaluate each separately. For example:
- Hearing Loss: If your test results qualify you for a 0% or 10% rating.
- Tinnitus: Automatically rated at 10%.
These ratings can be combined using the VA’s rating formula, potentially increasing your overall disability rating.
Evidence Needed for a Strong Claim
To increase your chances of receiving a fair VA hearing loss rating, it’s important to provide as much evidence as possible. This includes:
- Service Records – Show your exposure to loud environments (artillery units, aircraft carriers, mechanics, etc.).
- Medical Records – Document when your hearing problems began and how they’ve progressed.
- Private Audiology Reports – Sometimes private audiologists conduct more thorough testing than the VA.
- Buddy Statements – Statements from family, friends, or fellow service members describing your struggles with hearing and how it impacts your life.
Tips for Strengthening Your Claim
- Get a Nexus Letter – A written opinion from a medical provider linking your hearing loss or tinnitus directly to your service.
- Document Daily Impact – Keep a journal noting situations where hearing issues affect communication or safety.
- File for Both Conditions – Even if you’re only certain about tinnitus, file for hearing loss too, as they often go hand in hand.
- Consider Secondary Conditions – Hearing problems can contribute to anxiety, depression, or sleep issues. These may also qualify for additional ratings.
What If Your Claim Is Denied?
Many veterans find their hearing-related claims denied or underrated. Common reasons include “insufficient evidence” or “not meeting the VA’s thresholds.” If this happens:
- File an appeal or request a Higher-Level Review.
- Submit new medical evidence or a stronger nexus letter.
- Work with veteran-focused organizations like Warrior Allegiance, who understand the VA’s system and can help you build a stronger case.
Final Thoughts
Hearing loss and tinnitus are invisible injuries, but they deeply affect veterans’ quality of life. Understanding how the VA hearing loss rating system works is the first step in navigating the claims process. While the VA’s testing system may feel rigid, providing strong evidence, medical opinions, and documenting your daily struggles can make a significant difference.
At Warrior Allegiance, we are veterans ourselves, dedicated to helping fellow service members get the recognition and support they deserve. If you’re struggling with a VA hearing loss or tinnitus claim, you don’t have to face it alone.
📍 Warrior Allegiance Locations: El Paso, TX | San Antonio, TX | Puerto Rico (remote support available nationwide)
📞 Call us at: (800) 837–1106
🕒 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
🌐 Get Started: https://warriorallegiance.com/getstarted/#journey