Statistics · Veterans
Veterans and Hearing Loss: The Signature Wound
Hearing loss and tinnitus are together the single largest category of service-connected disability in the U.S. veteran population — greater than PTSD, greater than musculoskeletal injury, greater than any other single category. Boca Raton and the greater Palm Beach County have among the highest per-capita veteran populations in Florida.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Chana Zelenko, Au.D.
Doctor of Audiology · NPI 1881311694 · Last updated July 16, 2026
The headline number
#1 & #2
Tinnitus and hearing loss are the most common service-connected disabilities in the VA system
Source: VA Benefits Annual Report
Section 01
Tinnitus and hearing loss lead every other service-connected disability
According to the VA's most recent Annual Benefits Report, tinnitus is the #1 service-connected disability with over 2.9 million veterans receiving compensation for it, and hearing loss is #2 with over 1.6 million. PTSD, for comparison, sits at #4.
Top service-connected disabilities in the VA
Number of veterans receiving compensation. Source: VA Annual Benefits Report.
Section 02
Post-9/11 veterans are affected at higher rates
IED blasts, small-arms fire, aviation, and armored-vehicle operation combine to produce impulse noise (>140 dB, peak) that overwhelms even best-in-class hearing protection. Post-9/11 veterans report hearing loss at roughly 3× the rate of age-matched civilians.
Tinnitus alone is present in an estimated 60% of deployed post-9/11 combat veterans within a decade of service.
Section 03
VA benefits for hearing loss — quick facts
The VA covers audiological evaluation and hearing aids at no cost to eligible veterans. Basic ratings run from 0% to 100% based on standardized speech-discrimination and pure-tone thresholds; tinnitus is separately ratable at 10%.
Veterans can also see a community-care audiologist under the MISSION Act when VA appointments are more than 30 days out — Z Audiology is set up to coordinate care with the West Palm Beach VA.
FAQ
Frequently asked
Can I get hearing aids through the VA?
Yes — if you have a service-connected rating for hearing loss, or if you meet the VA's clinical criteria, hearing aids and follow-up service are provided at no cost. Bring your DD-214.
Does tinnitus qualify for VA disability?
Yes. Tinnitus is rated at 10% and is one of the most commonly-claimed conditions. A C&P exam with a licensed audiologist is required.
Boca Raton · Independent Audiology
Where do your numbers fall?
A comprehensive audiogram with Dr. Zelenko takes about 45 minutes and gives you a personal baseline against the data on this page.
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