If you’re a Veteran and have been denied your full benefits or are seeking to increase your VA disability rating for Hearing Loss, we’re here to help you fight back and win.
Start Your FREE VA Claim Evaluation for Hearing Loss
Did you know that more than 3.6 million Veterans receive disability benefits for hearing loss and tinnitus? Hearing loss is one of the most common disabilities among Veterans, yet many struggle to get the VA disability rating they deserve.
Without the right support, you could miss out on the benefits that can help you lead a better quality of life. We understand the frustration and challenges that come with navigating the VA system. That’s why we’re here to help you every step of the way.
How We Help You Win Your Hearing Loss VA Claim
Facing the loss of your hearing is difficult enough without having to go through months and often years of governmental red tape to get your benefits.
The VA system is designed to wear you down until you give up and go away, leaving you frustrated, angry, and worried about how you’re going to pay the bills.
At Tucker Disability Law, we specialize in helping Veterans understand and navigate the complexities of hearing loss claims. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you receive accurate VA disability ratings for hearing loss and accompanying secondary conditions so you can start receiving the benefits you need.
We also know that you can’t wait years to get those benefits.
That’s why we specialize in winning cases at the Regional Office level, getting you the compensation you need in a fraction of the time it takes those other disability law firms.
No Upfront Costs
We earn your trust through results. That’s why we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis – we don’t get paid until you do.
Our Simple 3-Step Plan to Secure Your VA Benefits
Get Your Benefits Faster.
Trust our proven track record to expedite your VA claim.
Start Your FREE VA Claim Evaluation for Hearing Loss
Why Veterans Are at High Risk for Hearing Loss
During your service, you were exposed to loud noises that most civilians never encounter. Gunfire, explosions, heavy machinery, and even the roar of aircraft can all contribute to hearing damage. This isn’t just about the occasional ringing in your ears; hearing loss can severely impact your quality of life, making it harder to communicate, work, and enjoy time with loved ones.
Types of Hearing Loss Common in Veterans
- Tinnitus: A constant ringing, buzzing, or humming in your ears. This is one of the most common disabilities among Veterans.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Damage to the inner ear or the nerves that send sound to your brain.
- Conductive Hearing Loss: Problems with the ear canal, eardrum, or middle ear that block sound from getting through.
How the VA Rates Hearing Loss Disability
The VA uses a hearing test called pure-tone audiometry to determine the severity of your hearing loss. During this test, you’ll listen to a series of tones through headphones and indicate when you can hear them. The results are plotted on a graph called an audiogram.
Understanding Your VA Disability Rating
Your VA disability rating for hearing loss is based on the results of your audiogram. The rating can range from 0% to 100%, depending on the severity of your hearing loss. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- 0% Rating: Your hearing loss isn’t severe enough to qualify for disability benefits, but it’s still documented by the VA.
- 10% to 40% Rating: Your hearing loss is significant enough to receive some compensation.
- 50% to 100% Rating: Severe hearing loss that greatly impacts your daily life, qualifying you for higher compensation.
Factors That Affect Your Rating
The VA considers a few key factors when determining your disability rating:
- Speech Recognition Scores: How well you can understand spoken words at various volumes.
- Pure-Tone Thresholds: The softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies.
- Bilateral vs. Unilateral Hearing Loss: Whether the hearing loss is in one ear or both.
Additionally, if your hearing loss prevents you from working, you might be eligible for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which allows you to receive benefits at the 100% disability rate even if your hearing loss and accompanying secondary condition rating is less than 100%.
Qualifying for TDIU:
- One disability rated at least 60%, or
- Multiple disabilities with a combined rating of 70% or more, with one disability rated at least 40%.
How Much Money Can You Get Monthly from VA Disability Benefits?
The amount you receive depends on your VA disability rating for hearing loss.
The rating is a percentage measured by the severity of your service-connected condition. In other words, the more severe your condition, the higher your rating. If you have multiple conditions, the VA uses a special formula to combine them into one overall rating.
Here’s a general breakdown of what you might expect:
These figures can increase if you have dependents or if your condition worsens over time. For more information, go to our VA Disability Compensation Page.
A higher rating not only means more financial support each month, it can also qualify you for additional benefits, such as increased access to VA healthcare services, vocational training and housing assistance.
How to Apply for VA Disability Benefits for Hearing Loss
Gathering Your Evidence
To successfully apply for VA disability benefits, you must provide evidence linking your hearing loss to your military service. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Service Medical Records: Any documentation from your time in service that shows you were exposed to loud noises or had ear-related issues.
- VA Medical Records: If you’ve already sought treatment for hearing loss through the VA, these records will support your claim.
- Private Medical Records: Any additional treatment you’ve received outside the VA can strengthen your case.
Take the First Step Toward Getting the Benefits You Deserve
Dealing with hearing loss is challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone.
At Tucker Disability Law, we are dedicated to helping Veterans secure the benefits they’ve earned.
Whether you need help navigating the VA’s rating system, appealing your denial, or applying for TDIU, we’re here for you.
