Sensorineural Hearing Loss
DC 6100 §4.85 Auditory ICD-10: H90.3 Direct
Rated based on Maryland CNC speech discrimination + puretone audiometric thresholds. Most veterans receive 0-10%.
Common symptoms
- Difficulty hearing speech
- Trouble in background noise
- Asking for repetition
- Withdrawal from conversations
VA rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Profound bilateral hearing loss (Roman numeral XI for both ears) |
| 50% | Severe combined impairment |
| 30% | Moderate combined impairment |
| 10% | Mild combined impairment (Roman numerals III/IV typical) |
| 0% | Minimal hearing loss |
Pro tips
Filing this claim
This is typically filed as a direct service connection claim. You need a current diagnosis, evidence of in-service event or exposure, and a nexus letter linking them. Use the letter generators to draft your nexus letter and Statement in Support of Claim.
Step by step
- File an Intent to File (Form 21-0966) to lock your effective date.
- Confirm you have a current medical diagnosis in a medical record.
- Get a nexus letter — magic phrase: "at least as likely as not."
- Write a Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138).
- If applicable, gather buddy statements (21-10210).
- File the formal 21-526EZ.
Source: 38 CFR §4.85. For exact regulatory language, consult eCFR Title 38. This is general education — for your specific case, consult a VA-accredited representative.