VA Disability for Tinnitus: Ratings, Evidence & Secondary Conditions

How the VA rates Tinnitus

Tinnitus is rated under 38 CFR 4.87, Diagnostic Code 6260 (ratings of 10%-10%). Each criterion below is transcribed verbatim from the VA rating schedule and verified against the regulation (eCFR / Cornell LII), never paraphrased.

• 10%

  Recurrent tinnitus.

Common conditions secondaryA condition caused or made worse by another service-connected condition (for example, depression secondary to chronic back pain). It can be claimed even if it didn't start in service. to Tinnitus

Veterans routinely under-claim because they don't know a secondary condition exists. These are commonly claimed as secondary to service-connected Tinnitus, each is a candidate to raise with your provider, not an automatic grant, and each needs a medical nexus opinion.

• Depressive disorder / anxiety

  Chronic tinnitus commonly contributes to a secondary depressive or anxiety disorder (sleep disruption, concentration). Needs a nexus opinion.

• Migraine / tension headaches

  Migraines/tension headaches are one of the most commonly claimed secondaries to a service-connected mental-health condition, tinnitus, or a cervical-spine condition. With a nexus opinion linking them to the primary condition, they can be claimed and rated separately; the actual rating depends on the documented frequency and severity of prostrating attacks.

• Depressive disorder (secondary to chronic pain)

  Chronic pain and functional limitation commonly contribute to a secondary depressive disorder (mental health secondary to a physical condition).

Evidence the VA looks for

A strong Tinnitus claim ties a current diagnosis to your service with a medical nexus. The records that move a Tinnitus claim, in priority order:

• A statement that you experience recurrent ringing, buzzing, or hissing in one or both ears (tinnitus is largely diagnosed on your own report)
• An audiology / C&P exam noting the tinnitus
• Evidence of in-service noise exposure (MOS, deployment, firing ranges, aircraft, machinery)
• A nexus linking the tinnitus to that noise exposure — often conceded for noise-heavy MOS

The C&PCompensation & Pension exam. A VA-arranged medical exam used to evaluate your claimed condition and how severe it is. Showing up and describing your worst days matters. exam and the nexusThe medical link between an injury or event during your service and your current diagnosed condition. A nexus opinion is written and signed by a licensed clinician, not by you or this app.

For most Tinnitus claims the VA schedules a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. The examiner measures the things the rating schedule turns on and gives a medical opinion on whether your Tinnitus is at least as likely as not connected to your service (the “nexus”). Knowing what the examiner will assess, and bringing the evidence above, is the single biggest thing you control. Prepare for the exam and check that your records support a nexus before you file.

Tinnitus VA disability: frequently asked questions

What is the VA rating for tinnitus?

Tinnitus is rated at a single 10% under 38 CFR 4.87 (Diagnostic Code 6260) — whether it affects one ear or both. There is no higher schedular level for tinnitus alone.

Why is tinnitus only 10%?

The rating schedule assigns recurrent tinnitus a flat 10%, and that maximum can't be exceeded for the tinnitus itself. The value of a tinnitus claim is often in the secondary conditions it supports — like a depressive or anxiety disorder, or migraines — which are separately ratable.

What conditions are secondary to tinnitus?

A depressive or anxiety disorder (from chronic sleep disruption and concentration problems) and migraine / tension headaches are the conditions most commonly claimed as secondary to service-connected tinnitus, each needing a nexus opinion.

Do I need an audiogram for tinnitus?

Tinnitus is largely diagnosed from your own consistent report of the symptom, so an audiogram is not strictly required to establish it — though a C&P exam usually documents it, and an audiogram is needed for any accompanying hearing-loss claim.