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Hearing Loss
July 10, 2024
5 Min

How To Get a VA Disability Rating for Hearing Loss

Learn all you need to know about VA disability rating for hearing loss, types they recognize, what to expect after submitting and more!

Author:
Nicole Brener
How To Get a VA Disability Rating for Hearing Loss
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Many veterans have been exposed to explosions during their service, which can lead to varied effects, including hearing loss and tinnitus. In fact, these are the most common service-connected disabilities among veterans.

If you or a loved one is a veteran who experienced a condition that led to or aggravated a disability during active service, including hearing loss, you may qualify for disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Veterans with service-connected hearing loss can access a wide range of benefits and healthcare services, including hearing aids, assistive devices, vocational rehabilitation and employment services, and compensation. 

These benefits can range from 10% to 100% and are determined by a disability rating system that measures the degree and type of service-connected hearing loss.

Compensation is determined by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), and care, such as hearing aids, corresponds to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Filing a service-related claim and understanding how the disability rating system works is key to ensuring you receive appropriate care and financial compensation. Review the process requirements and tips to help you file a successful claim.

What is a VA Disability Rating?

VA disability ratings are percentages between 0% and 100% based on the severity of the disability and its effect on overall health and well-being. They are designed to assign appropriate care and compensation based on the severity of the disability and its impact on the individual's health, daily life, and ability to work.

VA disability ratings help veterans determine the benefits and compensation they can receive and their eligibility for other VA benefits, like VA health care.

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How is a VA Disability Rating Determined?

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs determines your disability rating based on:

  • The evidence you submit (doctor’s report or medical test results)
  • The results of your VA claim exam (also called compensation and pension, or C&P, exam)
  • External information from other sources like federal agencies

These ratings are not just numbers; they are a form of support for those experiencing service-connected hearing loss. They demonstrate the care and assistance that you, as a veteran, deserve and can expect.

To qualify for hearing loss benefits, you must submit the following:

  • A hearing loss diagnosis linked to your veteran’s service
  • Pure-tone audiometry test and speech discrimination test to determine the severity of hearing loss. 
  • Proof that your hearing loss is connected or worsened by your service
  • Documentation showing how your hearing loss symptoms interfere with your daily life

Note that VA ratings for hearing loss are based on the hearing ability of both ears, and only one rating is given, even if hearing loss is only in one ear.

VA Disability Rating Ranges

Veterans rated 10% or higher are eligible for disability compensation.

  • Mild or moderate hearing loss: 0% to 10% 
  • Severe hearing loss: 30% to 50%.

Types of Hearing Loss Recognized by The VA

The VA recognizes three types of hearing loss: 

  • Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, which can be caused by exposure to loud noises, aging, or other medical conditions.
  • Conductive hearing loss occurs when there’s a blockage or damage to the eardrum or middle ear bones. This type of hearing loss is usually treatable with medical or surgical interventions.
  • Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, typically as a result of exposure to blast injuries, head trauma, or other physical trauma.

Tips for Filing a Succesful VA Disability Claim for Hearing Loss

Are you looking to file a VA disability claim for hearing loss? Here’s what you need to know.

Submit a claim online through the VA website, in person at a VA regional office, or by mail. When submitting the claim, you will need to provide the following information:

  • Information about your military service
  • Relevant medical records, including audiological test results and reports linking your hearing loss to service.
  • Information about events or conditions during your military service that contributed to your hearing loss.
  • A medical letter from a healthcare provider to strengthen your claim by clearly connecting your hearing loss to your military service.

What to Expect After Submitting a VA Disability Claim for Hearing Loss

After submitting a VA disability claim, you will receive a decision notification that confirms your disability rating and determines your care or compensation eligibility.

You may check your status online or contact a regional office to ask about the status of your application. 

If your decision notice shows at least a 10% disability rating, you’ll get your benefits within 15 days. However, if you disagree with your disability rating, you may file an appeal within 1 year of receiving your decision notice. You may also file a claim for increased benefits if your disability worsens.

Remember to gather all paperwork, correspondence, and deadlines related to your claim. If you have questions, consult a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) who can assist in the claims process and ensure your application is complete and accurate.

Filing a successful VA disability claim for hearing loss is the key to maximizing your benefits and enhancing your life while living with hearing loss.

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Nicole Brener

Copywriter based in Miami, FL. Leads copywriting workshops and mentors women entrepreneurs at the Idea Center of Miami Dade College.

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How To Get a VA Disability Rating for Hearing Loss

Key Findings

  • Workplace Impact: 62% of Deaf and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals report that communication barriers hinder career mobility.
  • Healthcare Challenges: 62% of Deaf and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals experience communication barriers in healthcare settings, contributing to delays in treatment.
  • Concerns About Emergency Communications: 20% of Deaf and 24.3% Hard-of-Hearing users also expressed serious concerns that communication barriers would prohibit them from contacting healthcare personnel in an emergency situation.
  • Independence Boost: Assistive technology nearly doubled rates of independence, with 60% of Deaf users and 63% of Hard-of-Hearing users reporting increased autonomy.
  • Emotional Strain: 55% of Deaf users and 83% of Hard-of-Hearing users reported emotional distress due to communication frustrations.
  • Social and Professional Opportunities: 46% of Deaf and 32.9% of Hard-of-Hearing users saw improved social and career prospects thanks to assistive technologies.

Empowering the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Through Technology: A New Era of Communication and Independence

At Nagish, we’ve seen firsthand just how much communication shapes daily life for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities. Our recent survey highlights the significant barriers they face in the workplace, healthcare settings, and in their social lives. But it also sheds light on a powerful solution: assistive technology. The results of this survey reinforce our commitment to empowering these communities and remind us why our mission matters: with access to the right tools, independence grows, opportunities expand, and well-being improves.

We collected data through a comprehensive survey involving over 300 individuals who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing and currently use hearing assistive technology. The survey included 179 Deaf and 140 Hard-of-Hearing participants, with data collected in an inclusive and accessible manner to ensure that everyone could participate and share their experiences without barriers.Communication Barriers in the Workplace: Limiting Career Mobility

Communication challenges in the workplace remain one of the most significant hurdles for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals, preventing them from fully realizing their career potential. Assistive technology offers a solution by removing these barriers and expanding access to a broader range of job opportunities and career growth.

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A majority of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing participants reported that communication barriers affected their career decisions, making it harder to pursue job opportunities or advance in their careers.

Deaf Participants

Hard-of-Hearing participants

65% of Deaf users rely on assistance from hearing individuals at least once a week to communicate effectively, which can limit their ability to fully engage in dynamic work environments.

Communication Barriers in Healthcare: A Matter of Public Safety
Communication challenges are not just a workplace issue — they extend into healthcare settings, where they can directly impact individuals’ health outcomes. Accessible communication tools are essential for ensuring that Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can receive timely and accurate medical care, especially in emergency situations

Many Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users face communication barriers in healthcare settings, which can lead to missed appointments, misunderstandings about medical treatments, and delayed care.

Deaf users:

62%

Hard of Hearing users:

66%

Some Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users have concerns about reaching healthcare professionals in emergencies, highlighting serious public safety risks.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Empowering Independence Through Assistive Technology
One of the most encouraging findings from our survey is just how much independence is boosted with assistive technology. This improvement in independence is not just about doing things on their own; it’s about having the confidence and ability to engage fully in both professional and personal settings.

Assistive technology has significantly increased the independence of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users in managing daily tasks, showing clear improvements after adoption.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Expanding Social and Professional Opportunities
Beyond independence, assistive technology creates connection.By removing communication barriers that keep people from joining in socially or professionallyassistive technology allows users to engage more deeply in social activities and pursue career opportunities that were previously out of reach.

Assistive technology has helped Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users expand their social networks and professional opportunities, enabling new connections and career growth.

Emotional and Psychological Impact: The Hidden Toll of Communication Barriers
People often overlook the emotional and psychological toll of communication , but they can have a profound impact on the mental well-being of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. Assistive technology can help alleviate this emotional strain, empowering users to communicate more effectively and reducing the anxiety associated with relying on others for basic communication.

A significant number of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users experience frustration and anxiety when communicating with family and friends, leading to isolation and stress.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Why This Matters: A Call for Widespread Adoption of Assistive Technologies
The findings from our survey are clear: communication barriers continue to limit the lives of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals in many areas, from the workplace to healthcare to their social lives. What’s also clear to us is that the question isn’t whether assistive technology helps—it’s how quickly we can make this powerful solution universally available.. By making these tools more accessible, we can open up new opportunities for individuals to thrive in their careers, maintain better health, and lead more independent lives.
At Nagish, we are committed to advocating for the integration of assistive technologies in all aspects of life. Whether it’s in healthcare, the workplace, or social settings, these technologies have the potential to create a more inclusive society where Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can live fully empowered lives. 
Our hope is that these findings inspire not just awareness, but action. We hope this survey creates awareness and action in promoting accessibility and inclusion for these communities. Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of their hearing abilities, has equal access to opportunities and services.