VA Disability Ratings for Hearing Loss and Ear Conditions

The VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) includes a dedicated section for hearing impairment and ear-related conditions. Hearing loss can result from direct damage to the ear or its internal structures, or from certain diseases and medical conditions, some of which may be service-connected and some of which may not. It’s the evaluator’s job to make that determination.

Understanding how the VA approaches hearing loss ratings can help you prepare your claim and set realistic expectations for your disability percentage. To estimate how your rating could affect your monthly compensation, use our VA disability calculator.

How the VA Assigns Ratings for Hearing Loss

Ratings for hearing impairment can be complex. A condition may affect one ear but not the other, or a service-connected condition may interact with a non-service-connected one. VA evaluators are reminded that veterans may be entitled to compensation for deafness alone or in combination with other qualifying disabilities.

It’s also worth noting that the VA includes a section on “other sense organs” within this rating category, assigning a maximum of 10% for a complete loss of the sense of smell or taste, but only when there is an anatomical or pathological basis for the condition.

Some ear conditions have a maximum rating below 100%, while others can reach the full 100% rating either on their own or in combination with other conditions. For a full breakdown of how ratings translate to monthly payments, see the current VA disability rates.

VA-Ratable Ear Conditions and What to Expect

The following are the most commonly evaluated ear conditions at VA facilities. Keep in mind that ratings are subject to change due to legislation, VA policy, or changes in the condition itself, always confirm current criteria directly with the VA.

Condition	Key Rating Factor	Max Rating
Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media / Mastoiditis / Cholesteatoma	Hearing impairment + complicating factors	Varies
Chronic Nonsuppurative Otitis Media	Level of hearing impairment	Varies
Otosclerosis	Degree of hearing impairment	Varies
Peripheral Vestibular Disorders	Severity of dizziness/staggering	Varies
Meniere’s Syndrome	Frequency of vertigo attacks	Up to 100%
Loss of Auricle	One or both ears lost	30-50%
Malignant Neoplasm of the Ear	Presence of cancer/tumor	Up to 100%
Benign Neoplasm of the Ear	Level of functional impairment	Varies
Chronic Otitis Externa	Frequency of treatment needed	10%
Tympanic Membrane Perforation	N/A	0%
Recurrent Tinnitus	One evaluation regardless of ears affected	Varies

Condition Breakdowns

Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media, Mastoiditis, or Cholesteatoma This rating covers long-term middle ear problems, such as a persistent perforation of the eardrum or a recurring middle ear infection that doesn’t improve. VA evaluators assess hearing impairment alongside complicating factors including labyrinthitis, tinnitus, facial nerve paralysis, or bone loss of the skull, the last of which is rated separately.

Chronic Nonsuppurative Otitis Media with Effusion (Serous Otitis Media) The non-suppurative form of otitis media. Evaluators rate the level of hearing impairment associated with this condition.

Otosclerosis An abnormal bony growth in the middle ear that can cause hearing loss. VA raters evaluate this condition based on the degree of hearing impairment present.

Peripheral Vestibular Disorders Vertigo and dizziness caused by vestibular disorders, often the result of a head injury, infection, or aging, are rated based on severity. Occasional dizziness is rated lower than dizziness accompanied by staggering. Objective findings must support the diagnosis before a compensable rating can be assigned, and any associated hearing impairment is rated separately.

Meniere’s Syndrome (Endolymphatic Hydrops) This condition involves a buildup of hydraulic pressure in the ear and is evaluated based on the combination and frequency of symptoms, including hearing problems, vertigo, cerebellar gait, and tinnitus. Attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait occurring more than once per week can result in a 100% disability rating. Less frequent attacks receive lower ratings. VA raters are instructed to use whichever evaluation method (combined or separate) results in the highest rating.

Loss of Auricle Physical loss of the outer ear structure is rated based on whether one or both ears are affected. At the time of writing: complete loss of both ears is rated at 50%, complete loss of one ear at 30%, and deformity of one ear with loss of one-third or more of its substance at 10%.

Malignant Neoplasm of the Ear (Other Than Skin Only) Cancers or tumors of the ear can be assigned a 100% disability rating, which continues beyond the end of surgical, radiation, chemotherapy, or other treatment. The VA requires a mandatory examination six months after treatment concludes before issuing a post-treatment rating.

Benign Neoplasm of the Ear (Other Than Skin Only) Evaluators rate this condition based on the level of functional impairment present.

Chronic Otitis Externa Chronic inflammation of the skin lining the external ear canal, which may cause swelling, discharge, and itching. When this condition requires prolonged or frequent care, it may be rated at 10%.

Tympanic Membrane Perforation The VA assigns a zero percent rating to this condition.

Recurrent Tinnitus Tinnitus must be evaluated regardless of whether it affects one or both ears, only one evaluation is performed either way. Note that objective tinnitus, which has a definable cause, is not rated under this diagnostic code. Tinnitus ratings also interact with certain other diagnostic codes, so evaluators follow specific instructions when this condition is present alongside others.

What This Means for Your Claim

Hearing impairment claims require specialized audiological testing and thorough documentation of how your condition affects daily functioning. The more evidence you can provide, including treatment history and clinical evaluations, the stronger your claim will be.

Once your rating is finalized, knowing your VA disability pay dates will help you plan around when to expect your monthly compensation.

Always confirm current rates and criteria directly with the VA at 1-800-827-1000.