Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

DC 6100Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.87, DC 6100

Rapid onset hearing loss occurring over hours to days, typically affecting one ear, caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. Can result from blast exposure, acoustic trauma, viral infections, or vascular events during military service. Rated based on audiometric testing results using the VA hearing loss rating tables.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

Diagnostic code

DC 6100

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.87, DC 6100. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

Your sudden hearing loss has caused profound deafness in both ears, with no measurable hearing or speech discrimination ability.

What the VA looks for

Profound deafness in both ears
No measurable hearing on audiometry
No speech discrimination ability
Complete reliance on visual communication methods
Cochlear implant evaluation records

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting an audiometric evaluation within the specific VA testing protocol (Maryland CNC word list and pure tone averages at 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz) — non-standard tests may not be accepted.
⚠Not documenting the sudden onset and temporal relationship to a service-connected event such as blast exposure or acoustic trauma.
⚠Failing to claim secondary tinnitus, which almost always accompanies sudden sensorineural hearing loss and warrants a separate 10% rating.
⚠Not requesting exceptional pattern evaluation under 38 CFR 4.86 if hearing loss is 55 dB or more at each of the four frequencies, or 30 dB or less at 1000 Hz and 70 dB or more at 2000 Hz.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6100

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your sudden hearing loss has caused profound deafness in both ears, with no measurable hearing or speech discrimination ability.

What the VA looks for

Profound deafness in both ears
No measurable hearing on audiometry
No speech discrimination ability
Complete reliance on visual communication methods
Cochlear implant evaluation records

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting an audiometric evaluation within the specific VA testing protocol (Maryland CNC word list and pure tone averages at 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz) — non-standard tests may not be accepted.

⚠Not documenting the sudden onset and temporal relationship to a service-connected event such as blast exposure or acoustic trauma.

⚠Failing to claim secondary tinnitus, which almost always accompanies sudden sensorineural hearing loss and warrants a separate 10% rating.

⚠Not requesting exceptional pattern evaluation under 38 CFR 4.86 if hearing loss is 55 dB or more at each of the four frequencies, or 30 dB or less at 1000 Hz and 70 dB or more at 2000 Hz.