Tinnitus VA disability:
ratings, evidence and next steps.
Understand the rating criteria, organize supporting records, and find official help with your claim.
GrantsHubUSA · Independent editorial guide
- Diagnostic code
- DC 6260
- Rating framework
- 38 CFR § 4.87
- Key consideration
- In-service noise exposure and ongoing symptoms
Overview
How VA evaluates tinnitus.
VA rates recurrent tinnitus at a single 10%, whether you hear it in one ear, both ears or in your head. It can be rated alongside hearing loss.
Because the rating itself is fixed, most claims turn on evidence of in-service noise exposure and symptoms that have continued since.
A diagnosis alone does not establish a particular rating.
Tinnitus rating criteria, at a glance.
Tinnitus has one rating level under DC 6260.
| Rating | Criteria in brief |
|---|---|
| 10% | Recurrent tinnitus. Only one 10% rating is assigned, whether the sound is in one ear, both ears or in the head. |
Objective tinnitus, a sound other people can hear, is not rated under this code. It is rated as part of the underlying condition.
Source: 38 CFR § 4.87, DC 6260
These summaries are not the full legal criteria or a self-assessment tool.VA decides the rating from the evidence. Read the full regulation text at the source link.
Build a clear evidence record.
- Service and job recordsRecords showing duties or events with hazardous noise.
- Service treatment recordsAny complaint of ringing, hearing changes or noise exposure.
- Personal statementWhen the ringing started and how it has continued.
- Hearing examA VA or VA-arranged audiology exam covering hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Statements from othersPeople who served with you and can describe the noise exposure.
Preparing for a C&P exam
- 1Follow the instructions in your appointment notice, and call the exam provider if you need to reschedule.
- 2Describe symptoms honestly, including how often they happen, how long they last, and changes over time.
- 3Explain the effects on work, relationships and everyday activities, including your worst days.
Common pitfalls to avoid.
- No noise historyDescribe the specific duties or events that exposed you to noise.
- Missed appointmentsContact the exam provider before the date if you cannot attend.
- Skipping hearing lossAsk about a hearing evaluation too, since the two are rated separately.
Questions about tinnitus claims.
No. VA first decides whether the condition is service-connected, then rates it based on the evidence of how it affects you. A diagnosis alone does not set a rating.
VA compares the evidence, including the exam report and your records, with the criteria in 38 CFR § 4.87. When the evidence falls between two levels, VA assigns the higher one if the disability more nearly matches it (38 CFR § 4.7).
Read your appointment notice, bring a list of medications and treatment, and be ready to describe how often symptoms happen, how long they last, and how they affect work, relationships and daily activities. If you cannot attend, contact the exam provider before the appointment.
VA's directory lists accredited attorneys, claims agents and Veterans Service Organization representatives. Help from a Veterans Service Organization is free.
Check the original guidance.
This guide explains published information. It does not replace medical care or advice from an accredited claims professional.
Make your next step a clear one.
Explore more conditions, or use the VA pay calculator to plan ahead.