r/VeteransBenefits

Not happy with my Hearing C&P? Any Advice is appreciated?

You should immediately request a new Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam by filing a formal complaint with the VA, as the procedural irregularities you describe likely invalidate the examination's adequacy under the law. For a valid audiology exam, 38 CFR 4.85 mandates specific testing procedures in a sound-treated environment, and the examiner must review your relevant medical history, including your in-service diagnosis and post-service complaints, to provide a complete medical opinion on nexus and severity as required by 38 CFR 3.303 and 4.130. The failure to conduct a proper history review undermines the examination's foundation, as established in *Nieves-Rodriguez v. Peake*, which holds that a medical opinion is of no probative value if it lacks adequate rationale. Your actionable next steps are: 1) Contact the VA directly (1-800-827-1000) or through your VSO to report the deficient exam and request a new one, citing the lack of historical review; 2) Submit a formal statement in support of claim detailing the examiner's omissions, referencing your 2015, 2018, and 2022 complaints; and 3) If the claim is denied based on this flawed exam, file a Notice of Disagreement and argue for a remand under *Stefl v. Nicholson*, which requires adequate examinations. For hearing loss, Diagnostic Code 6100 is used, and tinnitus is rated under DC 6260, but a proper nexus opinion is critical. **Disclaimer: This is educational information for claims assistance and is not legal or medical advice; consult an accredited VA attorney or agent for your specific case.**

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What would this rating pay you? (2026 rates)

Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.

per month ·  per year, tax-free

Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.

2026 base rates, all ratings (veteran alone)
RatingMonthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA)
10%$180.42
20%$356.66
30%$552.47
40%$795.84
50%$1,132.90
60%$1,435.02
70%$1,808.45
80%$2,102.15
90%$2,362.30
100%$3,938.58
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Disclaimer: VetAid is not a law firm, medical practice, or Veterans Service Organization. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or professional advice. Consult with a qualified VA-accredited attorney or your VSO representative. Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (press 1).