Tinnitus VA Disability Rating: Criteria, Evidence & Pay

What is tinnitus and how does it affect veterans?

Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sounds in your ears when no external sound is present. It is the single most commonly claimed VA disability condition, and for good reason — military service frequently involves intense noise exposure from weapons fire, explosions, aircraft, heavy machinery, and other sources that damage the auditory system.

For many veterans, tinnitus is more than a minor annoyance. Persistent ringing can make it difficult to concentrate at work, hold conversations, fall asleep, and enjoy quiet activities. The constant noise can lead to frustration, anxiety, and depression over time. Some veterans describe their tinnitus as a sound that never stops, making it impossible to experience true silence.

While tinnitus itself carries a maximum 10% schedular rating, it is an important condition to have service-connected. It validates your noise exposure history and creates a foundation for secondary claims for hearing loss, anxiety, sleep problems, and migraines — conditions that can carry significantly higher ratings.

VA diagnostic code for tinnitus

Tinnitus is rated under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6260 per 38 CFR § 4.87, Schedule of Ratings — Ear Diseases.

DC 6260 provides only a single 10% rating level for recurrent tinnitus. This is a flat rating regardless of severity — whether your tinnitus is mild and intermittent or constant and debilitating, the schedular maximum is the same. The VA assigns only one 10% rating even if tinnitus is present in both ears, as confirmed by the Supreme Court.

Rating criteria for tinnitus

The VA assigns tinnitus at a single rating level:

10% rating — $180.42/month

Criteria: Recurrent tinnitus.

That’s it. The rating criteria for tinnitus are unusually simple compared to other conditions. If you have recurrent tinnitus — meaning persistent or frequently recurring ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in your ears — and it is service-connected, you receive 10%.

There is no 0% rating level for tinnitus. If service connection is established, you get 10%. If not, you get nothing.

Note on bilateral tinnitus: Under 38 CFR § 4.87, DC 6260 Note (2), only a single evaluation is assigned for tinnitus whether it is perceived in one ear, both ears, or in the head. You cannot get 10% for each ear.

Extraschedular consideration: If your tinnitus causes marked interference with employment or frequent hospitalizations beyond what the 10% rating contemplates, you may be eligible for an extraschedular rating under 38 CFR § 3.321(b)(1). This is rare but possible in severe cases.

What evidence do you need?

Tinnitus claims rely heavily on your noise exposure history and credible testimony. Here’s what to gather:

Service records

• DD-214 showing your MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) — the VA maintains a list of noise-exposed occupations
• Deployment records and duty assignments involving noise exposure
• Any audiograms from service, especially if they show hearing threshold shifts
• Service treatment records mentioning ear complaints, ringing, or hearing problems

Medical evidence

• Current diagnosis of tinnitus from an audiologist or ENT physician
• Audiological evaluation showing any associated hearing loss
• Treatment records documenting your tinnitus complaints over time

Nexus letter

A medical opinion linking your tinnitus to military noise exposure. A strong nexus letter will reference your specific noise exposure history (weapons qualification, flight line duty, armored vehicles, etc.) and explain why your tinnitus is “at least as likely as not” caused by military service.

Buddy statements

Statements from fellow service members who can confirm your noise exposure or from family members who noticed the onset of your tinnitus during or after service. Statements describing how tinnitus affects your daily life (sleep disruption, difficulty concentrating, irritability) also strengthen your claim.

Personal statement

Your own detailed description of when tinnitus started, what noise exposure you experienced in service, and how the ringing affects your daily life. Describe the sound, whether it is constant or intermittent, and specific ways it impacts your work, sleep, and relationships.

C&P exam tips for tinnitus

The C&P exam for tinnitus typically involves an audiological evaluation. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare:

What the examiner evaluates

• Whether you have recurrent tinnitus
• When it started (during service or after)
• Your noise exposure history in and after service
• Whether a nexus exists between your service and your tinnitus
• The examiner may also conduct a full audiological exam to check for associated hearing loss

How to prepare

1. Know your noise exposure history. Be ready to describe specific sources of noise — weapon systems you fired, vehicles you operated, aircraft you worked near, explosions you were exposed to. Include whether hearing protection was provided and used.
2. Be consistent with your records. If your service treatment records mention ear complaints, reference those. If they don’t, be prepared to explain why (many service members don’t report tinnitus because they consider it normal).
3. Describe the impact honestly. Explain how tinnitus affects your concentration, sleep, mood, and daily functioning. Don’t minimize it.
4. Don’t exaggerate on hearing tests. The audiologist can detect inconsistent responses. If you also have hearing loss, respond honestly to the audiometric testing — inconsistent results can undermine your entire claim.
5. Mention the onset clearly. Whether tinnitus started during service, immediately after, or gradually worsened — be clear and consistent about the timeline.

Common secondary conditions linked to tinnitus

Tinnitus is often connected to other conditions that can be claimed as secondary disabilities:

• Hearing loss — The most common companion to tinnitus. Noise exposure that causes tinnitus frequently causes sensorineural hearing loss as well. Hearing loss ratings range from 0% to 100% based on audiometric testing.
• Anxiety — Constant ringing can cause significant anxiety and stress. Research shows a strong association between tinnitus and anxiety disorders.
• Sleep apnea — Tinnitus-related sleep disruption can be linked to broader sleep disorders, though this connection requires strong medical evidence.
• Migraines — Some veterans experience migraines triggered or worsened by tinnitus, particularly when combined with other noise-related conditions.
• Depression — The persistent nature of tinnitus is associated with higher rates of depression, especially when tinnitus is severe and constant.

How to calculate your monthly payment

While tinnitus alone pays $180.42/month at 10%, your total VA disability payment depends on your combined rating across all service-connected conditions. If you have tinnitus at 10% plus hearing loss, PTSD, or other conditions, your combined rating — and payment — will be higher.

Use our VA disability calculator to:

• Calculate your combined rating with multiple conditions
• See how VA math works (10% + 10% does not equal 20%)
• Estimate your monthly payment including dependents

For the full breakdown of payment amounts at every rating level, see our 2026 VA disability pay rates page.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. For personalized guidance on your VA disability claim, consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or claims agent. You can find accredited representatives at VA.gov.