Ear/HearingDC 6260
Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)
Tinnitus is rated under DC 6260. It receives a flat 10% rating regardless of severity or whether it affects one or both ears. The ringing can be constant or intermittent, loud or soft. The veteran can only receive a single rating even if both ears are affected. Tinnitus is the number one most commonly claimed VA disability. If the ringing is actually audible to others (caused by an objective source), it is not rated as tinnitus but under whatever condition is causing the sound.
VA Rating Levels
10%
Recurrent tinnitus exists. This is the only available rating level. 10% is both the minimum and maximum, regardless of whether it affects one or both ears.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →Tinnitus is presumptive if diagnosed within one year of separation. It is one of the easiest conditions to service-connect due to the prevalence of military noise exposure.
- →You do not need an audiological test to prove tinnitus. It is a subjective symptom, and your own statement that you hear ringing is considered evidence.
- →While 10% may seem low, tinnitus is a powerful gateway to secondary conditions including migraines, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and mental health conditions.
- →Infantry, artillery, aviation, mechanics, and other noise-exposed military occupational specialties have very strong presumptive connections to tinnitus.
- →Document how tinnitus affects your concentration, sleep quality, and mental health. These details support secondary claims that can significantly increase your overall combined rating.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR 4.87, Diagnostic Code 6260