Hearing & Ear:
Hearing Loss is the #4 top VA disability claim. There are 1,491,093 disabled veterans service-connected for Hearing Loss.
Hearing Loss is quite common in veterans and is defined by one of three types:
Conductive (involves outer or middle ear)
Sensorineural (involves inner ear)
Mixed (combination of the two)
Veterans who have experienced hearing loss as a result of their military service may be eligible for disability benefits. Hearing loss is a prevalent condition among U.S. veterans, particularly among those who have served in combat or in environments with high levels of noise exposure. Even outside of combat, veterans may be exposed to high levels of noise during military training, operations, and maintenance activities. Military occupational specialties such as infantry, artillery, aviation, engineering, and armor are particularly susceptible to noise-induced hearing loss due to the nature of their work. The VA rates Hearing Loss under CFR Title 38, Part 4, Schedule for Rating Disabilities, DC 6100, Hearing Loss.
VA Ratings for Hearing Loss range from 0% to 100%, although the average VA rating for Hearing Loss is 10%, and many veterans have a 0% rating. The highest rating for Hearing Loss is 100%, which means you have total deafness in both ears. If you’ve been out of the military for more than 12 months, Hearing Loss is one of the most difficult claims to get service connected and rated above 0%. Veterans who have served in combat zones are at a higher risk of hearing loss due to exposure to gunfire, explosions, and other loud noises associated with combat operations. The use of firearms, artillery, explosives, and heavy machinery in combat environments can cause significant noise-induced hearing damage over time.
Tinnitus, commonly described as ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ears, is also prevalent among veterans, with an estimated 1.9 million veterans receiving disability compensation for the condition in fiscal year 2020. Tinnitus can be caused by exposure to loud noises or trauma to the head or neck, which are common occurrences during military service. Prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as those generated by firearms, aircraft, vehicles, machinery, and explosions, can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear and lead to hearing loss and tinnitus. Veterans who served in environments with high levels of occupational noise exposure are at increased risk of developing hearing loss and tinnitus over time.
In addition to noise-induced hearing loss, veterans may experience hearing loss due to other factors such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), ototoxic medications, head injuries, infections, and age-related changes. These factors can contribute to both temporary and permanent hearing loss among veterans.
The VA conducts research and provides specialized care for veterans with hearing loss and tinnitus through its audiology and speech pathology services. Veterans with service-connected hearing loss or tinnitus are eligible for disability compensation from the VA, as well as access to healthcare services, including audiology evaluations, hearing aids, assistive devices, and rehabilitation services to manage their conditions. The amount of compensation varies depending on the severity of the disability and other factors.
