VASRD 6260 · Auditory and Vestibular

Tinnitus VA Disability Rating

Tinnitus means you hear ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears even when there’s no sound.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
10%Ringing or buzzing in the ears that keeps coming back.

How the VA Evaluates Tinnitus

Veteran must consistently report symptoms like ringing or buzzing in one or both ears. No audiological test is required.

Approval rate

Very high – commonly approved based on self-report.

Annual service-connected

2,940,000 veterans

Average rating

10%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •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

Strategy Tips

  • •Mention when the ringing started and how often it occurs
  • •List duties involving loud equipment or gunfire
  • •Explain how tinnitus impacts focus or sleep

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Inconsistent symptoms across appointments
  • •No mention of tinnitus in personal statement or medical history

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Not mentioning tinnitus at the C&P exam
  • •Lack of service noise exposure documentation
  • •Not submitting a buddy statement if medical record is blank

Onset Patterns

  • •Typically starts during or shortly after service involving loud noise
  • •Symptoms often worsen in quiet environments

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Tinnitus. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Hearing Loss

    Often occurs together due to noise exposure

  • Sleep Disturbances

    Ringing disrupts rest

  • Anxiety

    Chronic ringing can elevate stress levels

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Tinnitus is frequently claimed.

Army00BDiverArmy09LInterpreter/TranslatorArmy11AInfantry OfficerArmy11BInfantrymanArmy11CIndirect Fire InfantrymanArmy11ZInfantry Senior SergeantArmy12AEngineerArmy12BCombat EngineerArmy12CBridge CrewmemberArmy12NHorizontal Construction EngineerArmy12PPrime Power Production SpecialistArmy12QPower Line Distribution Specialist

Common questions about Tinnitus

Is Tinnitus a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Tinnitus under VASRD diagnostic code 6260 (Auditory and Vestibular). 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%. Examples: 10% — Ringing or buzzing in the ears that keeps coming back..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Tinnitus?
The average awarded rating for Tinnitus is 10%. Roughly 2,940,000 veterans are service-connected for Tinnitus each year. Typical approval likelihood: 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.
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 are commonly secondary to Tinnitus?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Tinnitus include: Hearing Loss, Sleep Disturbances, Anxiety. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Tinnitus combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

Open the calculator