◢ Sensory • 38 CFR § 4.87, DC 6260
Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)
Tinnitus is the single most-claimed condition at the VA — over 2.6 million veterans receive disability for it. Rating is straightforward: a fixed 10% whether one ear or both, whether intermittent or constant. The challenge is not the rating, it is documentation of in-service noise exposure and continuity from service to today.
Rating tiers under 38 CFR § 4.87, DC 6260
The VA rates tinnitus (ringing in the ears) at these schedular tiers. Most veterans land at the middle tiers — extreme tiers require correspondingly extreme documentation.
Recurrent tinnitus, in one or both ears. Maximum schedular rating regardless of severity.
Evidence the C&P examiner needs
Build the record before the exam. Walk in with documentation, walk out with a stronger rating.
- 01
MOS or job code showing noise-hazardous duties (artillery, infantry, aviation, motor pool, military police, construction)
- 02
Service treatment records noting any complaint of ringing, hearing changes, or hazardous noise exposure
- 03
Lay statement describing onset (in service or shortly after) and continuous symptoms since
- 04
Audiology DBQ for Hearing Loss and Tinnitus, completed by a VA-affiliated audiologist
- 05
Buddy statement from a service-mate confirming noise exposure events
Secondary conditions to file alongside
These conditions frequently develop as a consequence of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and are often missed. Each can be filed as a secondary claim and add to your combined rating.
Hearing loss
Often filed together. Hearing loss is rated separately from 0% to 100% based on audiometric results, with most veterans landing at 0% to 30%.
Migraine headaches (secondary to tinnitus)
Some veterans successfully establish secondary connection where tinnitus triggers chronic migraine activity, rated up to 50%.
Common mistakes that lower the rating
- 01
Failing to claim tinnitus on initial application — many veterans only realize after years of suffering they could have claimed
- 02
Not citing in-service noise exposure events — even one combat patrol or one range qualification with documented hearing protection failure helps
- 03
Believing tinnitus is too small to bother claiming — at $175.51/month, the lifetime value of a 10% tinnitus rating exceeds $80,000 over a 40-year span
Pro tip
Tinnitus is fully presumed for combat veterans under 38 USC § 1154(b). If you served in combat and report tinnitus, the VA cannot demand documentary proof of the in-service event — your statement under oath is sufficient.
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Source: 38 CFR Part 4 (VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities) and VA M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual. This guide explains the regulation; it is not legal advice and does not substitute for an accredited VA claims agent or VSO. Find a free VSO at va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation.