VA BENEFITS REFERENCE
38 CFR 4.86: Shared Regulatory Context
Read the source context and regulatory notes referenced by diagnostic-code pages using 38 CFR 4.86, with official citations and the current text date.
These source provisions supply context for the linked rating criteria. They are not separate evaluations automatically assigned to every condition. Read the diagnostic code and its own cross-references together.
(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.
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Official Sources
Last verified 2026-10-25. Source publication or legal effective dates are shown separately where available.
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