AFCS Hearing Loss Award Levels
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) organises hearing loss compensation into a tiered structure, with higher tiers reflecting more significant and disabling hearing impairment. Understanding how these levels work, and how severity is assessed, helps veterans and serving personnel prepare a stronger, more accurate claim.
This page explains what AFCS is, how the tiered award structure works, how hearing loss is medically assessed, and the steps involved in applying or appealing a decision. It does not set out specific compensation figures, as these are published and updated by the scheme itself and can change over time. For information on payout ranges that have been reported elsewhere, see our page on the average payout for hearing loss under MOD claims.
What is AFCS?
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme is the current UK scheme for compensating serving personnel and veterans who have been injured, or whose health has been made worse, because of their service. It covers injuries and illnesses arising on or after 6 April 2005, and hearing loss is one of the most commonly claimed conditions under the scheme.
AFCS is a "no-fault" scheme, meaning a claimant does not need to prove that the Ministry of Defence was negligent. Instead, the focus is on whether the injury or condition is due to service, and how severe its impact is. This differs from the older War Pension Scheme, which applies to injuries before April 2005. If you're unsure which scheme applies to your circumstances, our AFCS vs War Pension Scheme selector can help clarify this.
Hearing loss claims under AFCS typically relate to:
- Noise-induced hearing loss from exposure to gunfire, explosions, aircraft, or machinery
- Tinnitus caused or worsened by service-related noise exposure
- Acoustic trauma from a specific incident, such as an explosion or weapon discharge
For a broader look at how these claims work in practice, see our military hearing loss claims page.
Understanding Award Levels
AFCS uses a tariff-based system, where different injuries and conditions are grouped into award levels according to severity. Hearing loss and tinnitus are assessed against this tariff, with the level awarded reflecting the degree of impairment and its impact on daily life and work.
For clarity on this page, we describe the hearing loss tariff across six broad severity bands, referred to as Level 1 (least severe) through to Level 6 (most severe). These bands are intended as a general guide to how the scheme approaches severity, rather than a substitute for the official tariff tables, which should always be checked directly or with professional support when preparing a claim.
It's important to understand that:
- Award levels are based on medical evidence, particularly audiometric test results
- The same underlying condition (for example, noise-induced hearing loss) can fall into different levels depending on severity
- Tinnitus and hearing loss may be assessed separately or together, depending on the circumstances
- All claims are subject to eligibility checks and legal time limits, so timing matters
Level 1 Award
Level 1 sits at the lower end of the hearing loss tariff and generally applies where there is measurable hearing loss or mild tinnitus, but the impact on everyday communication and quality of life is limited.
Severity criteria: Slight, measurable hearing impairment, often identified through audiometric testing, with minimal disruption to daily activities. Mild, intermittent tinnitus symptoms may also fall into this band.
Compensation amount: Specific award amounts are set by the official AFCS tariff and are subject to change. We do not state a figure here; current tariff information should be checked directly with the scheme or discussed with our team.
Eligibility: To be considered for a Level 1 award, a claimant generally needs to show that the hearing loss or tinnitus is connected to service, supported by medical evidence such as audiometric results and, where relevant, service records showing noise exposure.
Level 2 Award
Level 2 applies where hearing loss or tinnitus symptoms are more noticeable but still fall short of significant disability.
Severity criteria: Mild to moderate hearing loss, or more persistent tinnitus, that begins to affect situations such as following conversation in noisy environments or using the telephone.
Compensation amount: As with all levels, the specific award amount is determined by the official AFCS tariff at the time of assessment and is not stated on this page.
Eligibility: Claimants need medical evidence demonstrating the degree of hearing impairment, along with confirmation of a service connection. Audiometric assessment plays a central role in supporting this level.
Level 3 Award
Level 3 reflects a moderate level of hearing impairment that has a clearer, ongoing impact on daily communication.
Severity criteria: Moderate hearing loss across relevant frequencies, or tinnitus that is more constant and disruptive, affecting concentration, sleep, or the ability to communicate comfortably in everyday settings.
Compensation amount: The applicable figure is set out in the official tariff and may be subject to periodic review; we recommend checking current information rather than relying on estimates.
Eligibility: A Level 3 claim typically requires more detailed audiometric evidence, and often a clinical assessment describing the functional impact of the hearing loss, alongside confirmation that the condition is attributable to service.
Level 4 Award
Level 4 applies to more significant hearing loss, where the condition has a substantial effect on communication and daily functioning.
Severity criteria: Moderate to severe hearing loss, potentially affecting both ears, or tinnitus combined with hearing loss that together create meaningful difficulty in work or social settings.
Compensation amount: As above, this is determined by the current AFCS tariff, and we do not provide a specific figure here.
Eligibility: Supporting evidence usually includes comprehensive audiometric testing, clinical notes on functional impact, and service records or witness evidence linking the condition to noise exposure or acoustic trauma during service.
Level 5 Award
Level 5 reflects severe hearing loss that has a marked and ongoing impact on the person's ability to function independently in many everyday situations.
Severity criteria: Severe hearing loss, often bilateral, where hearing aids or other support may be required, and where communication difficulties are significant even in quieter environments.
Compensation amount: Award amounts at this level are set by the official tariff and can vary; specific figures should be confirmed through official sources rather than estimated.
Eligibility: Claims at this level typically require detailed audiological reports, evidence of ongoing management such as hearing aid use, and clear documentation connecting the severity of the condition to service.
Level 6 Award
Level 6 represents the most severe end of the hearing loss tariff, reflecting profound or total hearing loss with a substantial, life-changing impact.
Severity criteria: Profound bilateral hearing loss, or total loss of hearing, where the person is significantly reliant on assistive devices, communication aids, or alternative communication methods.
Compensation amount: As with all levels, we do not state a figure on this page; current tariff amounts should be checked with the official scheme or discussed with our team.
Eligibility: These claims generally require comprehensive medical evidence, specialist audiological assessment, and clear documentation of the severe, ongoing impact on daily life, alongside confirmation of the service connection.
How Hearing Loss is Assessed
Medical evidence is central to every AFCS hearing loss claim, and audiometric testing is usually the starting point. This typically involves:
- Pure tone audiometry — measuring the quietest sounds a person can hear across a range of frequencies, usually carried out in a controlled, sound-proofed environment
- Speech discrimination testing — assessing how well a person can understand speech, which helps illustrate the real-world impact of hearing loss
- Tinnitus assessment — where relevant, documenting the frequency, persistence, and impact of tinnitus symptoms
Assessments are usually carried out or reviewed by audiologists or medical professionals experienced in occupational and military hearing loss. The results are compared against the relevant AFCS tariff criteria to determine which award level, if any, applies.
Because award levels depend heavily on the quality and completeness of this medical evidence, it's worth ensuring:
- Testing is carried out by a suitably qualified professional
- Results are recorded clearly and in a format that supports the claims process
- Any additional symptoms, such as tinnitus or balance issues, are also documented
You can find more detail on the assessment process on our dedicated hearing assessment page, and background on how the Ministry of Defence approaches hearing loss claims generally on our MOD Hearing Loss Matrix page.
Applying for AFCS Hearing Loss Awards
Applying for an AFCS hearing loss award involves several stages, and preparation matters. A typical process looks like this:
Check eligibility — Confirm your service dates, whether your condition arose on or after 6 April 2005 (for AFCS rather than the War Pension Scheme), and whether there is a plausible link between your hearing loss and your service. Our eligibility guide explains this in more detail.
Gather evidence — This includes service records showing noise exposure (for example, weapons training, aircraft, machinery, or explosions), medical records, and any existing audiometric test results.
Arrange or obtain audiometric assessment — If you don't already have recent, relevant hearing test results, this is usually one of the first practical steps.
Submit the claim — Applications are made to Veterans UK, who administer the AFCS on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. The claim should set out the nature of the hearing loss, when and how it arose, and the supporting evidence available.
Await assessment and decision — Veterans UK will review the medical evidence and service connection, then determine whether an award applies and, if so, at which level.
Consider the outcome — If an award is made, you'll be notified of the level and amount. If a claim is refused, or you disagree with the level awarded, there is a formal appeal process (see below).
Regarding service connection: AFCS requires that the hearing loss is caused, or made worse, by service. This doesn't necessarily mean a single dramatic incident — many claims relate to cumulative noise exposure over months or years of service, such as repeated exposure to gunfire, engine noise, or explosions without adequate hearing protection.
Appeals: If a claim is refused, or the award level given seems too low given the medical evidence, claimants generally have the right to request a review, and subsequently to appeal to an independent tribunal if the review outcome remains unsatisfactory. Time limits apply to both the initial claim and any appeal, so it's important not to delay. All claims and appeals remain subject to eligibility checks and the scheme's legal time limits, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
If you're ready to start this process, our claim form provides a straightforward way to begin a free assessment.
How MOD Hearing Help Can Assist
Navigating the AFCS tariff system, gathering the right medical evidence, and understanding where your circumstances might fit within the award levels can be complex, particularly while also managing hearing loss symptoms day to day. MOD Hearing Help supports veterans and serving personnel through this process by:
- Helping establish whether a claim may be eligible under AFCS, and clarifying which scheme (AFCS or War Pension) is likely to apply
- Assisting with gathering and organising medical and service evidence relevant to a hearing loss claim
- Explaining the audiometric assessment process and what to expect
- Supporting claimants through the application process from start to finish
- Advising on next steps if a claim is refused or an award level is disputed
You can read more about our approach on our about page, and see examples of how previous claims have progressed on our case studies page. Our resources section and FAQ page also cover many common questions about the claims process.
All services are provided on the basis that every claim is individually assessed, and eligibility, time limits, and evidence requirements apply. We do not guarantee any particular outcome, award level, or compensation amount.
Next step
If you'd like to find out whether your circumstances may meet AFCS eligibility requirements, visit our eligibility guide to check the key criteria before starting a claim.