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§ 4.86 Exceptional patterns of hearing impairment

The full text of 38 CFR 4.86, one of the general rules in VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

(a) When the puretone threshold at each of the four specified frequencies (1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hertz) is 55 decibels or more, the rating specialist will determine the Roman numeral designation for hearing impairment from either Table VI or Table VIa, whichever results in the higher numeral. Each ear will be evaluated separately.

(b) When the puretone threshold is 30 decibels or less at 1000 Hertz, and 70 decibels or more at 2000 Hertz, the rating specialist will determine the Roman numeral designation for hearing impairment from either Table VI or Table VIa, whichever results in the higher numeral. That numeral will then be elevated to the next higher Roman numeral. Each ear will be evaluated separately.

[64 FR 25209, May 11, 1999]

Regulation text current as of October 16, 2026.

Read it on eCFR.gov

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