Ear / HearingDC 6260

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is rated under 38 CFR § 4.87, Diagnostic Code 6260. It has a simple, flat rating — there's only one compensable level. Tinnitus is one of the most commonly claimed and granted VA disabilities.

VA Rating Levels

10%

Recurrent tinnitus. This is the maximum schedular rating for tinnitus. The VA considers tinnitus as a single disability regardless of whether it's in one ear or both. That's it — 10% is the max.

Exam Tips & Key Evidence

→This is one of the easiest conditions to claim if you had noise exposure in service (infantry, artillery, flight line, motor pool, etc.)
→Even though it maxes at 10%, tinnitus commonly leads to secondary conditions: migraines, anxiety, depression, insomnia
→Tinnitus is often claimed together with hearing loss
→You don't need an audiogram to prove tinnitus — it's subjective and based on your report

Commonly Related Conditions

Hearing LossMigrainesAnxietyDepressionInsomnia

38 CFR Reference

38 CFR § 4.87, Diagnostic Code 6260