Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)
Tinnitus is a persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound with no external source. It is the single most claimed VA disability, rated at a flat 10 percent.
How the VA rates it
Rated under diagnostic code 6260 at a single level: 10 percent for recurrent tinnitus. That is the maximum — VA assigns only one 10 percent rating no matter whether you hear it in one ear, both ears, or in your head. There is no higher schedular rating and no separate rating per ear.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 10%Recurrent tinnitus. This is the only level; a single 10 percent rating applies whether the tinnitus is in one ear, both ears, or perceived in the head.
Secondary condition strategy
Commonly claimed secondary to this
Conditions veterans often develop from this one — each can be its own rating under 38 CFR 3.310.
- PTSD — Mental health conditions can be claimed secondary to chronic tinnitus when the constant noise drives sleep loss, anxiety, and distress.
- Major Depressive Disorder — Depression secondary to chronic tinnitus is a recognized and commonly granted secondary claim.
- Migraines — Headache conditions are sometimes claimed as aggravated by chronic tinnitus.
This is often secondary to
If you already have one of these service-connected, it may support connecting this condition.
- Hearing Loss — Tinnitus commonly accompanies noise-induced hearing loss and can be claimed secondary to it (or both claimed from the same acoustic trauma).
- Traumatic Brain Injury — Tinnitus is a frequent residual of TBI and blast exposure.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- There is no objective test for tinnitus — your own competent lay statement about ringing and when it started is valid evidence, so describe onset and noise exposure specifically (weapons, aircraft, engine rooms, blasts).
- Your military occupational specialty matters: VA keeps a noise-exposure probability listing by MOS, and a high-noise MOS strengthens the claim.
- Report tinnitus consistently at every medical visit; inconsistent reporting is the most common reason for denial.
- Tinnitus at 10 percent also serves as a primary for secondary mental health claims if it significantly disrupts sleep and concentration.
Rating rules to know
Objective tinnitus (sound audible to an examiner) is rated under the underlying condition, not 6260. If tinnitus is part of Meniere's disease rated under code 6205, it cannot also be rated separately under 6260.
Related diagnostic codes
More ear, hearing & balance conditions
Hearing Loss (Sensorineural)
Service-connected hearing loss is rated by a strict mechanical formula from your audiogram, not by how much trouble you feel you have hearing. Most grants come out at 0 or 10 percent even when hearing aids are needed.
Rated up to 100%
Meniere's Disease (Endolymphatic Hydrops)
Meniere's disease is an inner-ear disorder causing episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. VA rates it on how often vertigo attacks with an unsteady (cerebellar) gait occur, up to 100 percent.
Rated up to 100%
Peripheral Vestibular Disorder
Peripheral vestibular disorders are inner-ear balance problems causing dizziness and unsteadiness (including labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis, and BPPV). VA rates them at 10 or 30 percent based on dizziness and staggering.
Rated up to 30%
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.