When is your exam?

Set the date and this page becomes a plan — the preparation steps get paced across the days you have left. It stays in this browser; no account, nothing sent anywhere.

Bilateral Hearing Loss

Loss of hearing acuity measured by audiometric testing. The VA rates hearing loss using a mechanical formula based on puretone audiometry and speech recognition scores — it is one of the most objective ratings. Under 38 CFR 4.85(e) the percentage comes from Table VII, which is read by combining the Roman numeral level for each ear; the levels below are the COMPLETE set of percentages Table VII can produce — all eleven — transcribed from the table as printed in the 7-1-24 edition of 38 CFR. Each level lists the better-ear/poorer-ear Roman numeral combinations that reach it, so you can find your own result rather than guess from a range.

Code: 6100
Criteria: 38 CFR 4.85-4.87, DC 6100
Exam length: ~30 minutes
Form: Audiology Exam

Rating steps

0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%

The percentages this diagnostic code can be rated at. Which one applies depends on the findings — no tool here can tell you in advance.

What happens at the appointment

You will sit in a soundproof booth wearing headphones. You will raise your hand or press a button when you hear a tone.
You will also take a speech recognition test where you repeat words you hear. This is the Maryland CNC word list.
The examiner will look in your ears and may check for blockages or damage.
Your hearing will be tested at specific frequencies (1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz).
The test results go into a formula — your rating is based on the numbers, not on how you feel about your hearing.

What the examiner is actually filling in

01Puretone thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz for each ear.
02Speech recognition scores using the Maryland CNC word list.
03Whether hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to military service.
04Type of hearing loss (sensorineural, conductive, or mixed).

Rated under 38 CFR 4.85-4.87, DC 6100. The examiner records findings on the DBQ; a rating specialist makes the decision.

A complete answer sounds like

Only respond to sounds you actually hear. Do not guess or anticipate. This is not a test you can fail.
If you did not hear the word clearly during the speech test, say what you thought you heard — do not guess a different word.
Tell the examiner if you are having a particularly good or bad hearing day.
Ask for a re-test if you feel the results do not reflect your actual hearing (you may need to request this through your VA representative).

What costs veterans points

Guessing during the hearing test — only respond when you actually hear the tone, even if it is faint.
Not reporting difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments. This is important context even though the rating is formula-based.
Wearing hearing aids to the test and having them on during testing.
Not filing for tinnitus at the same time — it is a separate condition with a separate rating.

The rating criteria, in plain language

Rating levels for Bilateral Hearing Loss under 38 CFR 4.85-4.87, DC 6100
Rating	Rating criteria	What that means for you
0%	Table VII, Percentage Evaluation for Hearing Impairment (Diagnostic Code 6100). The horizontal rows represent the ear having the better hearing and the vertical columns the ear having the poorer hearing. The percentage evaluation is located at the point where the row and column intersect.	Table VII yields 0 percent at 13 of its 66 combinations. Read it by finding your BETTER ear on the rows and your POORER ear on the columns; the rating sits where they intersect. Combinations that give 0 percent (better/poorer): III/III, II/IV, II/III, II/II, I/IX, I/VIII, I/VII, I/VI, I/V, I/IV, I/III, I/II, I/I. A 0 percent evaluation still establishes service connection and is what a later increase runs from.
0%	What supports this level A VA-authorized audiological examination giving puretone thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hertz for each ear Speech discrimination percentage from the Maryland CNC word list for each ear The Roman numeral designation derived for EACH ear from Table VI (or Table VIa where § 4.86 applies)
10%	Table VII, Percentage Evaluation for Hearing Impairment (Diagnostic Code 6100). The horizontal rows represent the ear having the better hearing and the vertical columns the ear having the poorer hearing. The percentage evaluation is located at the point where the row and column intersect.	Table VII yields 10 percent at 14 of its 66 combinations. Read it by finding your BETTER ear on the rows and your POORER ear on the columns; the rating sits where they intersect. Combinations that give 10 percent (better/poorer): IV/V, IV/IV, III/VI, III/V, III/IV, II/XI, II/X, II/IX, II/VIII, II/VII, II/VI, II/V, I/XI, I/X.
10%	What supports this level A VA-authorized audiological examination giving puretone thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hertz for each ear Speech discrimination percentage from the Maryland CNC word list for each ear The Roman numeral designation derived for EACH ear from Table VI (or Table VIa where § 4.86 applies)
20%	Table VII, Percentage Evaluation for Hearing Impairment (Diagnostic Code 6100). The horizontal rows represent the ear having the better hearing and the vertical columns the ear having the poorer hearing. The percentage evaluation is located at the point where the row and column intersect.	Table VII yields 20 percent at 10 of its 66 combinations. Read it by finding your BETTER ear on the rows and your POORER ear on the columns; the rating sits where they intersect. Combinations that give 20 percent (better/poorer): V/VI, V/V, IV/VIII, IV/VII, IV/VI, III/XI, III/X, III/IX, III/VIII, III/VII.
20%	What supports this level A VA-authorized audiological examination giving puretone thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hertz for each ear Speech discrimination percentage from the Maryland CNC word list for each ear The Roman numeral designation derived for EACH ear from Table VI (or Table VIa where § 4.86 applies)
30%	Table VII, Percentage Evaluation for Hearing Impairment (Diagnostic Code 6100). The horizontal rows represent the ear having the better hearing and the vertical columns the ear having the poorer hearing. The percentage evaluation is located at the point where the row and column intersect.	Table VII yields 30 percent at 7 of its 66 combinations. Read it by finding your BETTER ear on the rows and your POORER ear on the columns; the rating sits where they intersect. Combinations that give 30 percent (better/poorer): VI/VII, VI/VI, V/VIII, V/VII, IV/XI, IV/X, IV/IX.
30%	What supports this level A VA-authorized audiological examination giving puretone thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hertz for each ear Speech discrimination percentage from the Maryland CNC word list for each ear The Roman numeral designation derived for EACH ear from Table VI (or Table VIa where § 4.86 applies)
40%	Table VII, Percentage Evaluation for Hearing Impairment (Diagnostic Code 6100). The horizontal rows represent the ear having the better hearing and the vertical columns the ear having the poorer hearing. The percentage evaluation is located at the point where the row and column intersect.	Table VII yields 40 percent at 7 of its 66 combinations. Read it by finding your BETTER ear on the rows and your POORER ear on the columns; the rating sits where they intersect. Combinations that give 40 percent (better/poorer): VII/VIII, VII/VII, VI/IX, VI/VIII, V/XI, V/X, V/IX.
40%	What supports this level A VA-authorized audiological examination giving puretone thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hertz for each ear Speech discrimination percentage from the Maryland CNC word list for each ear The Roman numeral designation derived for EACH ear from Table VI (or Table VIa where § 4.86 applies)
50%	Table VII, Percentage Evaluation for Hearing Impairment (Diagnostic Code 6100). The horizontal rows represent the ear having the better hearing and the vertical columns the ear having the poorer hearing. The percentage evaluation is located at the point where the row and column intersect.	Table VII yields 50 percent at 5 of its 66 combinations. Read it by finding your BETTER ear on the rows and your POORER ear on the columns; the rating sits where they intersect. Combinations that give 50 percent (better/poorer): VIII/IX, VIII/VIII, VII/IX, VI/XI, VI/X.
50%	What supports this level A VA-authorized audiological examination giving puretone thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hertz for each ear Speech discrimination percentage from the Maryland CNC word list for each ear The Roman numeral designation derived for EACH ear from Table VI (or Table VIa where § 4.86 applies)
60%	Table VII, Percentage Evaluation for Hearing Impairment (Diagnostic Code 6100). The horizontal rows represent the ear having the better hearing and the vertical columns the ear having the poorer hearing. The percentage evaluation is located at the point where the row and column intersect.	Table VII yields 60 percent at 4 of its 66 combinations. Read it by finding your BETTER ear on the rows and your POORER ear on the columns; the rating sits where they intersect. Combinations that give 60 percent (better/poorer): IX/IX, VIII/X, VII/XI, VII/X.
60%	What supports this level A VA-authorized audiological examination giving puretone thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hertz for each ear Speech discrimination percentage from the Maryland CNC word list for each ear The Roman numeral designation derived for EACH ear from Table VI (or Table VIa where § 4.86 applies)
70%	Table VII, Percentage Evaluation for Hearing Impairment (Diagnostic Code 6100). The horizontal rows represent the ear having the better hearing and the vertical columns the ear having the poorer hearing. The percentage evaluation is located at the point where the row and column intersect.	Table VII yields 70 percent at 2 of its 66 combinations. Read it by finding your BETTER ear on the rows and your POORER ear on the columns; the rating sits where they intersect. Combinations that give 70 percent (better/poorer): IX/X, VIII/XI.
70%	What supports this level A VA-authorized audiological examination giving puretone thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hertz for each ear Speech discrimination percentage from the Maryland CNC word list for each ear The Roman numeral designation derived for EACH ear from Table VI (or Table VIa where § 4.86 applies)
80%	Table VII, Percentage Evaluation for Hearing Impairment (Diagnostic Code 6100). The horizontal rows represent the ear having the better hearing and the vertical columns the ear having the poorer hearing. The percentage evaluation is located at the point where the row and column intersect.	Table VII yields 80 percent at 2 of its 66 combinations. Read it by finding your BETTER ear on the rows and your POORER ear on the columns; the rating sits where they intersect. Combinations that give 80 percent (better/poorer): X/X, IX/XI.
80%	What supports this level A VA-authorized audiological examination giving puretone thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hertz for each ear Speech discrimination percentage from the Maryland CNC word list for each ear The Roman numeral designation derived for EACH ear from Table VI (or Table VIa where § 4.86 applies)
90%	Table VII, Percentage Evaluation for Hearing Impairment (Diagnostic Code 6100). The horizontal rows represent the ear having the better hearing and the vertical columns the ear having the poorer hearing. The percentage evaluation is located at the point where the row and column intersect.	Table VII yields 90 percent at 1 of its 66 combinations. Read it by finding your BETTER ear on the rows and your POORER ear on the columns; the rating sits where they intersect. Combinations that give 90 percent (better/poorer): X/XI.
90%	What supports this level A VA-authorized audiological examination giving puretone thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hertz for each ear Speech discrimination percentage from the Maryland CNC word list for each ear The Roman numeral designation derived for EACH ear from Table VI (or Table VIa where § 4.86 applies)
100%	Table VII, Percentage Evaluation for Hearing Impairment (Diagnostic Code 6100). The horizontal rows represent the ear having the better hearing and the vertical columns the ear having the poorer hearing. The percentage evaluation is located at the point where the row and column intersect.	Table VII yields 100 percent at 1 of its 66 combinations. Read it by finding your BETTER ear on the rows and your POORER ear on the columns; the rating sits where they intersect. Combinations that give 100 percent (better/poorer): XI/XI. Table VII marks this cell with an asterisk: review for entitlement to special monthly compensation under § 3.350.
100%	What supports this level A VA-authorized audiological examination giving puretone thresholds at 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hertz for each ear Speech discrimination percentage from the Maryland CNC word list for each ear The Roman numeral designation derived for EACH ear from Table VI (or Table VIa where § 4.86 applies)

The middle column is our transcription of the criteria at 38 CFR 4.85-4.87, DC 6100, condensed for reading. Read the section itself on eCFR before relying on the exact wording. The items under each level are the kinds of evidence that document it — not a VA checklist, and not a prediction of which level applies to you.

Mistakes we see most often

The rating is based strictly on audiometric test numbers — subjective reports of difficulty hearing don't change the rating. Make sure your audiogram is conducted properly.

Not requesting re-evaluation if hearing has worsened since last test.

Not filing for tinnitus separately — it is a different diagnostic code and can be combined.

Not pursuing secondary claims for depression or anxiety caused by hearing loss and social isolation.

Before & after your exam

These apply to every C&P exam, whatever the condition.

Do not miss the appointment: Missing your C&P exam without a good reason can cost you. Under 38 CFR § 3.655, a missed exam can cause a claim for an increased rating or a reopened claim to be denied, and can cause an original claim to be decided on the evidence already in your file. If you cannot make it, call the VA or the exam company right away to reschedule — a documented good reason (illness, work conflict, no transportation, a family emergency) protects your claim.
Your examiner may be a contractor: Many C&P exams are performed by VA-contracted companies — QTC, Optum Serve (LHI), VES, or MSLA — not at a VA hospital. They will call, text, or mail you to schedule. Do not ignore an unknown number or letter while your claim is pending, and confirm the exam location and time before you go.
The examiner does not decide your claim: The examiner's job is to record findings on the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). A rating specialist at the Regional Office makes the actual decision, using the exam together with your full record — service records, medical records, and lay statements. One appointment does not settle everything.
Get a copy of your exam report: After the exam you can request the report (often called the DBQ or C&P exam results) through VA.gov, the Blue Button tool, or your accredited representative. Reading it lets you catch errors while you still have time to respond.
If the exam was inadequate, you have options: If the examiner rushed you, evaluated the wrong condition, or the report is inaccurate, you can submit a statement and new evidence, and — after a decision — request a review (a Supplemental Claim or Higher-Level Review). A single bad exam is not the end of your claim.

View condition guide →View evidence checklist →

Folder readiness

Tick these off as you gather them. Nothing here is required — the exam happens either way — but each one is something the examiner cannot record if it is not in front of them.

Saved in this browser only.

Take it with you

Print the whole guide — what the examiner records, the folder list with your ticks, the criteria table and the mistakes to avoid — and bring it to the appointment.

Frequently paired

Documented secondary or co-occurring conditions. Each is examined separately and has its own guide.

Free tool · 282 guides · DBQ-aligned

C&P Exam Preparation Guides

The VA orders this exam to verify your diagnosis and measure how severe it is right now. It can shape your rating and your monthly compensation — but it does not decide your claim. A rating specialist weighs it against your full record, and if the exam does not reflect your condition, you can say so and ask the VA to correct it.

Source forms
Coverage

Bilateral Hearing Loss

Rating steps

What happens at the appointment

What the examiner is actually filling in

A complete answer sounds like

What costs veterans points

The rating criteria, in plain language

What supports this level

What supports this level

What supports this level

What supports this level

What supports this level

What supports this level

What supports this level

What supports this level

What supports this level

What supports this level

What supports this level

Mistakes we see most often

Before & after your exam

Bilateral Hearing Loss

Rating steps

What happens at the appointment

What the examiner is actually filling in

A complete answer sounds like

What costs veterans points

The rating criteria, in plain language

What supports this level

What supports this level

What supports this level

What supports this level

What supports this level

What supports this level

What supports this level

What supports this level

What supports this level

What supports this level

What supports this level

Mistakes we see most often

Before & after your exam