Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)
Diagnostic Code 6260 • 38 CFR § 4.87
One of the most commonly claimed VA disabilities
Diagnostic Code
6260
Tinnitus is a 10% Rating ONLY
Under current VA regulations, tinnitus is rated at 10% maximum regardless of severity. This is one of the few conditions with a single flat rate.
Base rate (no dependents). Cannot be increased beyond 10% even with severe, debilitating tinnitus.
Complete regulatory criteria, CFR citations, and official rating notes
Why File for Tinnitus?
Easy to Prove
Tinnitus is subjective - if you report it and had noise exposure in service, you'll likely get service-connected. One of the easiest VA claims to win.
Gateway to Higher Ratings
The $171/month seems small, but tinnitus often occurs WITH hearing loss. If you have both, you could get 10% tinnitus + 0-100% hearing loss in the same ear(s).
Secondary Claims
Tinnitus-related sleep disturbances can lead to secondary claims for sleep apnea, migraines, or mental health conditions.
Combined Rating Boost
Even 10% can bump your combined rating up a tier. If you're at 88% combined, adding 10% tinnitus gets you to 90% ($2,241/mo instead of $1,995/mo).
Tinnitus + Hearing Loss = Higher Compensation
Tinnitus Only
Tinnitus (10%)
$171/mo
TOTAL
$171/mo
Tinnitus + Hearing Loss (Bilateral)
Combined Rating
30%
Monthly Total
$524/mo
Tinnitus + Sleep Apnea Secondary
Combined Rating
60%
Monthly Total
$1,361/mo
How to Prove Your Tinnitus Claim
1. Your Statement of Symptoms
Describe the ringing, buzzing, or other sounds you hear. Frequency (constant vs. intermittent), which ear(s), how it affects sleep and concentration.
Key Point: Tinnitus is subjective - your testimony IS evidence
2. Noise Exposure in Service
Document noise exposure from:
- • MOS requiring use of loud equipment (artillery, aviation, heavy machinery)
- • Combat exposure to explosions/gunfire
- • Lack of adequate hearing protection
- • Buddy statements confirming noise exposure
3. Audiogram Test Results
VA will conduct an audiogram at C&P exam. If you also have hearing loss, it will be rated separately. Private audiograms can supplement your claim.
4. Nexus Letter (if needed)
An audiologist or ENT physician can write a nexus letter linking your tinnitus to service noise exposure. Usually not required for obvious noise exposure (combat, aviation MOS).
Secondary Conditions from Tinnitus
Constant ringing/buzzing can cause or aggravate other conditions. File these as separate claims:
😴 Sleep Apnea / Insomnia
STRONGDC 6847, 9540 • Tinnitus disrupts sleep onset and quality
Can add 0-100% rating!
🤕 Migraines
STRONGDC 8100 • 0-50% • Constant noise can trigger headaches
🧠 Anxiety / Depression
MODERATEDC 9400, 9434 • 0-100% • Chronic distress from tinnitus
👂 Hearing Loss
COMMONDC 6100 • 0-100% • Usually from same noise exposure
Not secondary - but file together!
How to File Your Tinnitus Claim
File VA Form 21-526EZ
State that you have tinnitus (ringing/buzzing in ears). Describe when it started, frequency (constant vs. intermittent), and which ear(s).
Document Noise Exposure
Provide: DD-214 showing noisy MOS, service medical records mentioning hearing problems, buddy statements about noise exposure without adequate protection.
Attend Audiology C&P Exam
VA will conduct audiogram testing. Clearly describe your tinnitus symptoms to the examiner. Be consistent - if it's constant, say it's constant.
File for Hearing Loss Too
If you have ANY hearing difficulty, file for hearing loss at the same time. The audiogram will test both conditions. You can get 10% tinnitus + separate hearing loss rating.
Consider Secondary Claims
If tinnitus prevents sleep, file for sleep apnea or insomnia as secondary. If it causes stress/anxiety, file mental health secondary.
Common Tinnitus Claim Issues
Issue: No In-Service Noise Exposure Documented
If your MOS wasn't obviously noisy, VA may deny for lack of in-service stressor.
Solution: Buddy statements, lay evidence, or nexus letter linking exposure to duties
Issue: C&P Examiner Doesn't Find Tinnitus
If examiner notes "veteran denies tinnitus" when you DO have it, this is exam error.
Solution: Request new exam or submit rebuttal with private audiologist statement
Issue: Tinnitus Not Claimed Separately from Hearing Loss
Some veterans only claim "hearing loss" and miss the tinnitus 10%. They're separate conditions.
Solution: Always file for BOTH if you have ringing AND reduced hearing
Tinnitus Claim FAQs
▸ Can I get more than 10% for severe tinnitus?
No. Current VA regulations cap tinnitus at 10% regardless of severity. However, you can file for secondary conditions (sleep disturbances, mental health impact) to increase your overall combined rating.
▸ Do I need an audiogram showing tinnitus?
Audiograms test hearing thresholds, not tinnitus. Tinnitus is diagnosed based on your report of symptoms to the audiologist or examiner. The audiogram may show hearing loss as a separate condition.
▸ What if my tinnitus started years after service?
Tinnitus from noise exposure can manifest years later. You need a nexus opinion linking the current tinnitus to in-service noise exposure. An audiologist's letter stating "more likely than not" caused by service exposure is sufficient.
▸ Can I get bilateral ratings for tinnitus in both ears?
No. Tinnitus is rated as a single condition at 10% even if it affects both ears. However, bilateral hearing loss (if present) IS rated separately for each ear.
▸ Is it worth filing for just 10%?
Absolutely. First, $171/month = $2,052/year for life, plus COLA increases. Second, it can bump your combined rating to the next tier. Third, it opens the door to secondary claims (sleep disorders worth 0-100%). A 10% tinnitus claim can easily turn into 50-60% combined when secondaries are added.
Strategy: Maximize Your Tinnitus Claim
Step 1: File Tinnitus + Hearing Loss Together
Same noise exposure causes both. One audiogram tests both. Getting service connection for tinnitus strengthens hearing loss claim and vice versa.
Step 2: Document Sleep Impact
If tinnitus prevents sleep or causes you to wake frequently, document this in your personal statement and to your doctor. Sets up sleep apnea/insomnia secondary.
Step 3: File Secondary Claims Within 1 Year
Once tinnitus is service-connected, file secondaries quickly. Effective date is filing date, not the tinnitus effective date.
Result: 10% Becomes 50-60%+
Tinnitus (10%) + Hearing Loss Bilateral (20%) + Sleep Apnea Secondary (50%) = 70% combined = $1,716/month instead of $171/month
Related Tools & Resources
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.