As we honor those who've served our nation, it's critical to ensure our veterans are armed with information about the range of benefits available to them. At the intersection of service and health, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) delivers a comprehensive program of benefits to veterans who are found to have disabilities connected to their service. For many, hearing loss is a silent, but potentially service-connected, injury.
This post will be your field guide as we traverse the intricate terrain of VA Disability Ratings for hearing loss and tinnitus. One important point to note here is that a disability exam is specifically for determining whether a medical condition is service-related and whether compensation will be awarded. In other words, there is not treatment (e.g., hearing aids) done at this appointment.
As an audiologist who’s worked extensively within the veteran space, I’ll share detailed insights into the VA rating process, what to expect during your Military Disability Examination (MDE), and the nuances that can make all the difference in your claim.
Does hearing loss mean a VA disability?
If your hearing loss can be linked to your military service, you may be eligible for disability compensation. The service connection could be either direct (hearing loss develops during active duty) will actively servicing or a National Guard member who is deployed and incurs hearing loss during active duty military service.
If these conditions affect your daily life, it's important to seek documentation and file a claim. VA disability compensation is meant to provide benefits to veterans who are left with health consequences as a result of their service-connected disabilities.
Hearing loss is among the most common military service-related disabilities due to the constant exposure to loud noises, from firearms to aircraft. But merely experiencing hearing loss does not automatically qualify one for VA disability compensation or benefits (i.e., VA medical coverage). The key is demonstrating the service connection to active military service. That is where an MDE exam comes in.
What is the maximum disability for hearing loss?
Disability ratings are generally between 0 and 100 percent, reflecting the impairment's impact on the veteran's earning capacity. For hearing loss, the rating will be influenced by the average decibel loss in the speech frequencies and word recognition percentages from the speech testing for each ear.
If an individual has normal hearing or there is evidence that hearing loss occurred after active military service, there will be no VA disability rating assigned. A hearing loss rated at 0% establishes a service connection (potentially resulting in VA hearing aid benefits), reflects hearing loss occurred during military service, but will not meet criteria for disability compensation.
At the other end of the spectrum, a 100% rating denotes severe to profound hearing loss that occurred as a result of service. If you have exams for other medical conditions, the combined VA disability rating will be factored together for your total VA disability rating. The maximum compensation for 100% disability is $3737.85 per month. This tool is useful to determine your compensation, depending on your total disability.
What about disability for tinnitus?
While tinnitus doesn't always involve diagnosable hearing loss, it can significantly impact your life. The VA recognizes this, and today tinnitus is one of the most common VA disabilities. The maximum level of the rating for tinnitus is 10%. To determine the appropriate rating, the VA examiner will assess the frequency, duration, and severity of your symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Filing a VA disability claim for hearing loss or tinnitus may seem daunting, but it's a process grounded in respect and care for the sacrifices our nation's veterans have made. Understanding the intricacies and importance of each step can make all the difference in ensuring those who've served receive the benefits they deserve.
If you're a veteran grappling with these issues, I strongly encourage you to seek expert advice from VA-accredited representatives, service officers, or qualified attorneys specializing in VA law. These professionals can offer invaluable support navigating the complex VA disability claim process.
