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Hearing Loss: C&P Exam Prep

Trouble hearing in one or both ears, including after noise in service.

This prep guide was generated with AI, so please also check the VA rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4) and the VA exam form (DBQ) for this condition.

← C&P Exam Prep Guide

Quick Must-Know

The hearing test is done without hearing aids. Respond only when you actually hear a tone, and don't guess.
VA rates hearing loss on the test numbers: your tone results and your word test score.
Describe the noise you were around in service, and when you first noticed trouble hearing.
Tell the examiner how hearing loss affects your daily life and work, with real examples such as phone calls or group conversations.

Be accurate and complete

Describe your condition as it really is: on your worst days as well as on the day of the exam. Don't make it sound better than it is, and don't make it sound worse. The examiner writes down what you say, and VA compares it with your records.

The exam form

The examiner uses VA's "Hearing Loss and Tinnitus" form. VA keeps this form for its own examiners and doesn't publish it, so this page describes the exam from VA's rules and its public information.

What the exam is for

The exam measures how well you hear. It helps VA decide whether you have hearing loss that counts for VA purposes, whether it's connected to your service, and how severe it is.

Who does it

A state-licensed audiologist does the exam, in a sound booth (38 CFR 4.85(a)). VA keeps its hearing and tinnitus exam form for its own examiners, so it isn't published. What follows comes from VA's rules for hearing exams and VA's public information.

What the examiner will ask and measure

A hearing test done without hearing aids, with tones at different pitches in each ear to find the softest sound you can hear (puretone audiometry).
A word test: you repeat back words to show how well you understand speech (the Maryland CNC test).
The examiner looks in your ears and may do other ear tests.
Your history: noise in service, noise since service, ear infections, injuries, and when you first noticed trouble hearing.
How hearing loss affects your daily life and work.

Be ready to describe

The noise you were around in service: weapons, engines, aircraft, machinery, explosions. Include how long and how often, and what hearing protection you had.
When you first noticed trouble hearing.
Situations that are hard for you now, such as group conversations, phone calls, background noise, or hearing alarms or people behind you.
Noise since service, at work or from hobbies. Be honest about it.
Whether you use hearing aids, and since when.

Common mistakes

Wearing your hearing aids into the test. The test must be done without them, so follow the examiner's directions.
Guessing during the tone test. Respond only when you actually hear a tone.
Not describing real-life effects. The test gives numbers, but the examiner also notes how hearing loss affects your daily life.

How VA rates it

VA rates hearing loss by the numbers from your hearing test, using tables in its rules. Under those rules, not every hearing change counts as a disability: there are minimum test thresholds (38 CFR 3.385). VA proposed changes to its hearing rules in February 2022 (87 FR 8474). As of October 2026 they aren't final, so the current rules still apply.

In plain English

For each ear, VA uses two results: the average of your tone results at four pitches (1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hz), and your score on the word test (Maryland CNC).
Table VI turns those two results into a Roman numeral for each ear, from I (best hearing) to XI (worst).
Table VIa uses the tone results alone. VA uses it when hearing loss is severe at all four pitches, or follows certain other patterns (38 CFR 4.86), or when the examiner says the word test isn't right for you.
Table VII combines the numerals for your two ears into one rating, from 0% to 100%.

The regulation, word for word

Quoted from 38 CFR Part 4 (current as of October 16, 2026). This is what VA applies. The plain-English version above is our summary of it.

38 CFR 4.85, diagnostic code 6100: Hearing impairment Open in the Rating Criteria Lookup

Table VI: Numeric Designation of Hearing Impairment Based on Puretone Threshold Average and Speech Discrimination

Columns: Puretone Threshold Average · Rows: % of discrimination

% of discrimination	0-41	42-49	50-57	58-65	66-73	74-81	82-89	90-97	98+
92-100	I	I	I	II	II	II	III	III	IV
84-90	II	II	II	III	III	III	IV	IV	IV
76-82	III	III	IV	IV	IV	V	V	V	V
68-74	IV	IV	V	V	VI	VI	VII	VII	VII
60-66	V	V	VI	VI	VII	VII	VIII	VIII	VIII
52-58	VI	VI	VII	VII	VIII	VIII	VIII	VIII	IX
44-50	VII	VII	VIII	VIII	VIII	IX	IX	IX	X
36-42	VIII	VIII	VIII	IX	IX	IX	X	X	X
0-34	IX	X	XI	XI	XI	XI	XI	XI	XI

Table VIa: Numeric Designation of Hearing Impairment Based Only on Puretone Threshold Average

Columns: Puretone Threshold Average

0-41	42-48	49-55	56-62	63-69	70-76	77-83	84-90	91-97	98-104	105+
I	II	III	IV	V	VI	VII	VIII	IX	X	XI

* This table is for use only as specified in §§ 4.85 and 4.86.

Table VII: Percentage Evaluation for Hearing Impairment (Diagnostic Code 6100)

Columns: Poorer Ear · Rows: Better Ear

Better Ear	XI	X	IX	VIII	VII	VI	V	IV	III	II	I
XI	100*
X	90	80
IX	80	70	60
VIII	70	60	50	50
VII	60	60	50	40	40
VI	50	50	40	40	30	30
V	40	40	40	30	30	20	20
IV	30	30	30	20	20	20	10	10
III	20	20	20	20	20	10	10	10	0
II	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	0	0	0
I	10	10	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

* Review for entitlement to special monthly compensation under §3.350 of this chapter.

About every C&P exam

What is it?

After you file a claim, VA may ask you to have a claim exam, also called a compensation and pension (C&P) exam. It helps VA decide whether your condition is connected to your service, and how severe it is. It isn't treatment: the examiner won't treat you, prescribe medicine or refer you to anyone.

Who does it?

A VA provider or a provider from one of VA's exam contractors (Loyal Source, OptumServe, QTC or VES). VA picks; you can't choose. Hearing, mental health, eye and dental exams are done by specialists. For a reproductive, breast, rectal or mental health exam, or a claim related to military sexual trauma, you can ask for a male or female examiner.

How long does it take?

VA says anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or more, depending on what you claimed. Some exams are by phone or video. If you claimed more than one condition, VA tries to schedule them on the same day.

Does the examiner decide my claim?

No. The examiner writes a report on a standard form (a Disability Benefits Questionnaire, or DBQ) and sends it to VA. VA decides your claim using all the evidence: the report, your medical and service records, and statements from you and others. The examiner can't tell you the results or answer questions about your claim.

Does everyone get one?

No. If your records already have what VA needs, VA can decide from the records alone (VA calls this Acceptable Clinical Evidence, or ACE).

What if I can't make it?

Call the number on your appointment letter at least 48 hours ahead to reschedule. Missing an exam delays your claim. VA may decide your claim on the evidence it already has, and some claims, such as a claim for an increase, are denied (38 CFR 3.655). If you had a good reason, such as being in the hospital or a death in your family, tell VA and ask for a new exam.

What should I bring?

VA says you don't need to bring anything. Send any new medical records to VA before the exam, because the examiner can't send them in for you. Arrive 15 minutes early and wear clothes you can move in. Many veterans find it helps to bring a short list of their symptoms, medicines and side effects, and key dates, so nothing is forgotten.

Can someone come with me?

You can ask the examiner. They may ask family members or caregivers to wait outside. For a sensitive physical exam, you can ask for a chaperone in the room.

Can I get a copy of the report?

Yes. Ask VA with a Freedom of Information Act or Privacy Act request (VA Form 20-10206). VetEZ Claim can help you fill it out and send it.

Can my own doctor fill out the form instead?

For many conditions, yes. VA publishes the exam forms (DBQs) your own doctor can fill out and you can send in. VA doesn't pay for this. A few exam forms are for VA's own examiners.

Checked against VA's forms and rules on October 16, 2026. General information only, not medical or legal advice about your claim. VA decides every claim.

File with VetEZ Claim

VetEZ Claim is free, from VetClaims Alliance, a nonprofit. Start with an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966), then file your claim (VA Form 21-526EZ). You review, sign and send each form yourself.

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