Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations · full text below reproduced from the eCFR, revision of 2026-07-01.
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(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.¶
(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1155)
The eCFR versioner records no amendment to § 4.86 since 2016-12-14 (its point-in-time floor); the text above has been in force at least that long. Earlier amendments are listed in the section’s source note.
Source note: [64 FR 25209, May 11, 1999]
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