Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 6100: Hearing Loss Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.85-4.86
- Rating range
- 0% to 10%
- Rating levels
- 2
- Body system
- Hearing loss and ear conditions
The VA rates Hearing Loss under diagnostic code 6100 in 38 CFR § 4.85-4.86. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 6100 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Hearing loss present but puretone and speech discrimination scores do not meet compensable level What raters look forhearing loss documented; does not meet VA criteria for compensable rating |
| 10% | Level II hearing in one ear and Level II-III in the other (or similar combinations per Table VII) What raters look formoderate hearing loss; based on audiometric testing |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Hearing Loss. The Hearing Loss condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Hearing Loss appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 1,111 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Hearing Loss as the primary issue. The Hearing Loss condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Hearing Loss appeals generally rather than DC 6100 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 6100?
Diagnostic code 6100 is the VA rating schedule entry for Hearing Loss, found in 38 CFR § 4.85-4.86. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 6100?
DC 6100 provides ratings of 0%, 10%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 6100 require?
The 10% rating for Hearing Loss requires: Level II hearing in one ear and Level II-III in the other (or similar combinations per Table VII).