YOUR CONDITION, EXPLAINED
Tinnitus VA disability rating & claim guide
The VA rates Tinnitus under diagnostic code 6260, in 38 CFR § 4.87 (diseases of the ear), and the schedule provides a single evaluation under it: 10%.
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A CLEARER PATH FORWARD
Make sense of your next step.
01Understand the rating02Know what to gather03Prepare for your examTHE ESSENTIALS
How the VA rates Tinnitus
Tinnitus means you hear ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears even when there’s no sound.
Veteran must consistently report symptoms like ringing or buzzing in one or both ears. No audiological test is required.
- Diagnostic code
- 6260
- Rating schedule
- 38 CFR § 4.87
- Schedule levels
- 10%
How does the VA choose a rating level?
There is no higher or lower step inside this code: a rating decision either finds its criteria met or it does not. Where they are not met, 38 CFR § 4.31 assigns a 0% evaluation: service connection granted, at a level that does not pay.
EXPLORE THE PERCENTAGES
Tinnitus VA rating criteria (DC 6260)
This condition has one published rating level. Read the criteria, then explore the details and monthly pay.
These are published rating criteria. Selecting a level does not predict your VA decision.
IN THE REGULATION’S OWN WORDS
What 38 CFR also says about Tinnitus
The notes 38 CFR Part 4 prints with these criteria, quoted. They govern how the evaluation is made without being a rating level themselves.
- “Note (1): A separate evaluation for tinnitus may be combined with an evaluation under diagnostic codes 6100, 6200, 6204, or other diagnostic code, except when tinnitus supports an evaluation under one of those diagnostic codes.”DC 6260
- “Note (2): Assign only a single evaluation for recurrent tinnitus, whether the sound is perceived in one ear, both ears, or in the head.”DC 6260
- “Note (3): Do not evaluate objective tinnitus (in which the sound is audible to other people and has a definable cause that may or may not be pathologic) under this diagnostic code, but evaluate it as part of any underlying condition causing it.”DC 6260
BUILD YOUR EVIDENCE, ONE PIECE AT A TIME
Evidence for your Tinnitus claim
A long list feels easier when you have a place to start. Use this checklist to see what you have and what still needs gathering.
Check off what you’ve gathered. Progress stays on this page until you leave or refresh.
A LITTLE PREPARATION HELPS
What the C&P examiner will ask about Tinnitus
Think through your own experience before exam day. Open a question to see what the examiner is assessing and which details are useful to describe accurately.
HistoryWhen did your tinnitus start and what do you think caused it?
Establishing onset and etiology for service connection, particularly noise exposure history.
- Provide specific dates or timeframes for when tinnitus began
- Detail military noise exposures: weapons, aircraft, machinery, explosions
- Bring buddy statements from fellow service members who witnessed noise exposures
- Include any hearing protection use (or lack thereof) during service
- Being vague about when tinnitus started
- Not connecting tinnitus to specific military noise exposures
- Failing to bring documentation of noise exposure incidents
HistoryWhen did your tinnitus first start and has it gotten worse, better, or stayed the same?
Establishing onset timeline and progression pattern to determine service connection and current severity.
- Provide specific timeline: when exactly it started during service
- Describe any triggering events: explosions, gunfire, machinery exposure
- Note progression pattern over years since military service
- Mention any periods where tinnitus was completely absent
- Being vague about when tinnitus first appeared
- Not connecting onset to specific military exposures or incidents
- Failing to describe progression since military service
HistoryWhat hearing protection did you use during military service and current occupation?
Evaluating noise exposure history and protection adequacy to establish service connection nexus.
- Describe specific types of hearing protection available and used
- Mention instances where protection wasn't available or practical (combat, emergency)
- Note problems with standard issue earplugs: poor fit, falling out
- Describe specific noise exposures: weapons fire, aircraft, machinery
- Claiming perfect hearing protection use when it wasn't realistic
- Not describing specific military noise exposures
- Failing to mention inadequacy of standard military hearing protection
SeverityHow would you describe the ringing or buzzing in your ears?
Assessing presence and characteristics of tinnitus. Any noticeable tinnitus qualifies for 10% rating.
- Be honest about any ringing, buzzing, or unusual sounds you hear
- Describe when it started and if it's gotten worse
- Mention if it affects your sleep, concentration, or work
- Don't exaggerate - any noticeable tinnitus gets the same 10% rating
- Saying you don't have tinnitus when you do have occasional ringing
- Exaggerating symptoms thinking it will get a higher rating
- Not mentioning tinnitus because it seems 'minor' compared to other issues
SeverityHas your tinnitus caused anxiety, depression, irritability, or other mood changes?
Screening for secondary mental health conditions which may warrant separate disability ratings.
- Document specific mood changes you attribute to tinnitus
- Describe anxiety about tinnitus progression or permanence
- Mention impact on relationships due to irritability or mood
- Note any mental health treatment sought specifically for tinnitus-related distress
- Not connecting mood changes to tinnitus specifically
- Failing to seek mental health evaluation for tinnitus-related distress
- Not documenting psychological impact on relationships and daily life
SeverityDescribe the specific sounds you hear - ringing, buzzing, hissing, roaring, etc.
Documenting specific tinnitus characteristics and confirming presence of recurrent tinnitus.
- Be specific about the type of sounds you hear
- Describe which ear(s) are affected
- Mention if sounds change in pitch or volume
- Note if certain activities or times of day make it worse
- Being too vague about tinnitus characteristics
- Not specifying which ear(s) are affected
- Downplaying symptoms because they seem mild compared to other conditions
SeverityDo you experience dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems along with your tinnitus?
Screening for Meniere's disease or other vestibular disorders that may affect rating and require separate evaluation.
- Describe any spinning sensations or feeling off-balance
- Note if symptoms worsen with head movements or position changes
- Mention any nausea or vomiting during dizzy spells
- Document any falls or near-falls due to balance problems
- Not mentioning vestibular symptoms that could indicate Meniere's disease
- Failing to describe the severity and frequency of balance problems
- Not noting triggers that worsen dizziness or vertigo
Daily functionHow does your tinnitus affect your sleep, concentration, and daily activities?
Evaluating functional impact of tinnitus which may support secondary mental health claims.
- Document specific examples of how tinnitus affects your daily life
- Keep a sleep diary showing how tinnitus disrupts rest
- Describe work performance issues related to concentration problems
- Mention if you avoid quiet environments because tinnitus becomes more noticeable
- Not connecting tinnitus to sleep problems or anxiety
- Failing to document secondary effects that may qualify for additional ratings
- Not mentioning how tinnitus affects work performance or relationships
Daily functionHow does your tinnitus affect your ability to concentrate and perform at work?
Evaluating occupational impact which may support vocational rehabilitation or secondary mental health claims.
- Describe specific work tasks made difficult by tinnitus
- Mention any workplace accommodations requested or needed
- Note impact on career advancement or job changes due to tinnitus
- Document supervisor feedback about concentration or performance issues
- Not connecting tinnitus to specific work performance problems
- Failing to mention accommodations that would help
- Not documenting career impact or limitations
TreatmentDo you use any techniques or devices to mask or manage your tinnitus?
Assessing coping mechanisms and treatment attempts which can indicate severity and functional impact.
- List all masking devices or techniques you've tried
- Describe effectiveness of different masking approaches
- Mention cost and inconvenience of masking equipment
- Note situations where masking isn't possible or practical
- Not mentioning all the coping strategies you use
- Failing to describe the expense and effort required for masking
- Not connecting masking needs to functional impact
THE EXAM FORM
Which DBQ is used for Tinnitus?
- Hearing Loss and Tinnitus. VA's examiner completes this questionnaire; it is not publicly available.
Source: VA: Public Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs), read September 18, 2026.
SMALL DETAILS. BETTER PREPARATION.
Preparing your Tinnitus claim
Start with the practical tips, then explore the common oversights. You don’t need to work through everything at once.
Practical tips for your claim3 tips
- 01
Mention when the ringing started and how often it occurs
- 02
List duties involving loud equipment or gunfire
- 03
Explain how tinnitus impacts focus or sleep
C&P exam pitfalls to keep in mind2 tips
- 01
Inconsistent symptoms across appointments
- 02
No mention of tinnitus in personal statement or medical history
Common filing mistakes3 tips
- 01
Not mentioning tinnitus at the C&P exam
- 02
Lack of service noise exposure documentation
- 03
Not submitting a buddy statement if medical record is blank
When symptoms may first appear2 tips
- 01
Typically starts during or shortly after service involving loud noise
- 02
Symptoms often worsen in quiet environments
SECONDARY TO SOMETHING ELSE
Conditions that can lead to Tinnitus
Each links to a page on claiming Tinnitus as secondary to that condition.
YOUR SERVICE STORY
Military jobs associated with Tinnitus
More by branch: Army · Marines · Air Force · Navy · Coast Guard · Space Force
THE BROADER PICTURE
Tinnitus by the numbers
- Approval outlook
- Very high – commonly approved based on self-report.
- Service-connected disabilities (VBA count)
- 3,583,295 disabilities
- Typical rating awarded
- ~10%
Count of service-connected disabilities from the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), as of September 30, 2025; the report counts disabilities, not veterans. Approval outlook and typical rating are Vetrify editorial estimates, not official VA statistics.
LET’S CLEAR A FEW THINGS UP
Common questions about Tinnitus
Is Tinnitus a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Tinnitus under VASRD diagnostic code 6260 (Ear Conditions). Tinnitus means you hear ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears even when there’s no sound.
What VA disability rating can I get for Tinnitus?
Possible VA ratings for Tinnitus are 10%, 0%. The 0% level comes from 38 CFR 4.31, which assigns it wherever no compensable level is met. Examples: 10%: Recurrent tinnitus. This is the only rating available for this condition regardless of whether it affects one or both ears.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Tinnitus?
Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Tinnitus at around 10%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. Per the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), veterans receiving VA compensation as of September 30, 2025 had 3,583,295 service-connected disabilities rated as Tinnitus. The report counts disabilities, not veterans. Estimated approval outlook: Very high – commonly approved based on self-report.
What evidence helps prove Tinnitus for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Tinnitus claim includes: Consistent reports of tinnitus in VA exams; History of military noise exposure (e.g., flight line, artillery); C&P exam confirmation; Service records confirming hazardous noise duty.
Which DBQ is used for Tinnitus?
VA's examiner completes the Hearing Loss and Tinnitus questionnaire; VA lists it among the DBQs that are not available for public use.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Tinnitus?
Common pitfalls when filing for Tinnitus: Not mentioning tinnitus at the C&P exam; Lack of service noise exposure documentation; Not submitting a buddy statement if medical record is blank.
What conditions can be secondary to Tinnitus?
Conditions that can be service-connected as secondary to Tinnitus, when a medical opinion links them, include: Hearing Loss. A secondary condition gets its own rating, which VA combines with the veteran's other ratings under 38 CFR 4.25.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.87, Schedule of ratings, diseases of the ear (Diagnostic Code 6260)
- 38 CFR § 4.31, zero percent evaluations
- VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), service-connected disabilities count, as of September 30, 2025
Criteria in quotation marks are the regulation’s own words; everything else on this page is Vetrify’s summary of it. The eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
How these figures are checked: our methodology and the open dataset.
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