Tinnitus — VA Disability Rating Criteria (DC 6260)
Diagnostic Code 6260 · 38 CFR §4.87
What Is It?
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sounds in one or both ears when no external sound source is present. It is the single most commonly rated VA disability condition, affecting over 2.3 million veterans. For most veterans, tinnitus results from exposure to loud noise during military service — weapons fire, aircraft engines, heavy equipment, explosions, and sustained occupational noise. The condition can be constant or intermittent and may vary in perceived volume and pitch.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Recurrent tinnitus. This is the maximum schedular rating available under DC 6260. The VA assigns a single 10% rating regardless of whether tinnitus is present in one ear or both ears. Prior to the Smith v. Nicholson decision (2005), some veterans received separate 10% ratings per ear, but current policy limits the rating to one 10% evaluation. |
Proposed Changes — Not Current Law
As of August 12, 2026, the 10 percent evaluation above is the rating in force. Section 108 of H.R. 9237, the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, would end the separate compensable rating for tinnitus, leaving a 10 percent evaluation only where tinnitus is diagnosed as associated with service-connected hearing loss that is otherwise noncompensable. VA proposed substantially the same change by regulation in February 2022; that proposed rule has never been finalized.
Neither route has arrived. The bill was pulled from the House floor on July 16, 2026 without a vote on passage and has had no Senate action, and the 2022 proposed rule remains a proposal. Section 108 would apply to claims filed after the date of enactment and states that it may not be the basis for reducing compensation already in effect; 38 U.S.C. § 1155 and 38 CFR § 3.951(a) separately bar a change to the rating schedule from reducing an existing rating unless the evidence shows the disability actually improved.
Evidence Needed
Tinnitus is one of the easiest conditions to establish for service connection because it is a subjective symptom — there is no objective test that can confirm or deny it. The VA relies on the veteran's own report. You will need: (1) a current diagnosis or report of tinnitus symptoms, (2) evidence of in-service noise exposure (your MOS, duty stations, or a buddy statement describing the noise environment), and (3) a nexus linking the tinnitus to your military noise exposure. For many combat veterans or those in high-noise MOSs (infantry, artillery, aviation, armor, engineering), the noise exposure element is essentially conceded by the VA.
C&P Exam Tips
The C&P exam for tinnitus is typically brief. The examiner will ask when you first noticed the ringing or buzzing, how often it occurs, and whether it is constant or intermittent. Be specific and honest — describe the sound (ringing, buzzing, hissing, whooshing), which ear or both, how frequently it occurs, and how it affects your daily life (difficulty concentrating, trouble falling asleep, interference with conversations). Do not exaggerate, but do not minimize either. If your tinnitus is constant, say so. If it disrupts your sleep or concentration, explain that clearly. The examiner may also perform an audiometric exam at the same appointment if hearing loss is also being evaluated.
How to File
File a claim for tinnitus on VA Form 21-526EZ. List tinnitus as a new condition and describe your in-service noise exposure in the remarks section. If you have a high-noise MOS or combat service, your noise exposure is often conceded without additional evidence. If you are also claiming hearing loss, file both on the same application — they will likely be evaluated at the same C&P exam. Consider filing an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) first to lock in your effective date while you gather supporting evidence. A Veterans Service Organization (VSO) can assist with filing at no cost.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is not claiming tinnitus at all because veterans assume "everybody has it" or it is too minor to rate. A 10% rating provides monthly compensation and can help push your combined rating across a rounding threshold. Another mistake is failing to mention tinnitus during a hearing loss C&P exam — if the examiner does not ask about it, bring it up. Some veterans also incorrectly believe they need an audiogram to prove tinnitus; you do not, since tinnitus is a subjective condition. Finally, do not describe your tinnitus as "not that bad" during the exam — describe it accurately, including its impact on your daily activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get more than 10% for tinnitus?
No. The maximum schedular rating for tinnitus under DC 6260 is 10%, regardless of severity or whether it affects one or both ears. However, if tinnitus causes or aggravates other conditions (such as difficulty sleeping, concentration problems, or anxiety), those secondary conditions can be rated separately.
Can I get separate ratings for tinnitus in each ear?
No. Since the 2005 Smith v. Nicholson decision, the VA assigns one single 10% rating for tinnitus regardless of whether it is unilateral or bilateral. Veterans who received separate per-ear ratings before that decision may have their ratings protected under the 20-year rule.
Do I need an audiogram to prove tinnitus?
No. Tinnitus is a subjective symptom — the veteran's own report of the condition is the primary evidence. There is no objective test that can confirm or deny tinnitus. Your statement that you experience ringing or buzzing in your ears, combined with evidence of noise exposure, is generally sufficient.
Is tinnitus a presumptive condition?
Tinnitus is not specifically listed as a presumptive condition. However, for veterans with documented combat service or a high-noise MOS, the VA often concedes in-service noise exposure, making the service connection straightforward to establish.
Should I claim tinnitus if I already have a hearing loss claim?
Yes, absolutely. Tinnitus and hearing loss are rated under separate diagnostic codes, so you can receive compensation for both. They often result from the same noise exposure and are typically evaluated at the same C&P exam.