Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
The VA rates Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) under Diagnostic Code 6260 at a single 10% level. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together. There are 5 documented secondary conditions linked to Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Catalog name: Tinnitus, recurrent.
Rating schedule — DC 6260 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 10%
- Rating tiers
- 1
- CFR section
- § 4.87
- Body system
- Auditory System
- Secondary conditions
- 5
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Tinnitus, recurrent Note: Per 38 CFR § 4.87, DC 6260, tinnitus is assigned a maximum (and only) rating of 10%, regardless of whether it affects one or both ears. A separate 10% rating cannot be assigned for each ear — only a single 10% evaluation is authorized. |
“Tinnitus, recurrent”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)?
View 5 secondary conditions linked to Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
What other auditory conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 6100Hearing LossRated up to 100%
- 6200Chronic suppurative otitis media, mastoiditis, or cholesteatoma (or any combination)Rated up to 10%
- 6204Peripheral vestibular disordersRated up to 30%
- 6205Meniere's syndrome (endolymphatic hydrops)Rated up to 100%
- 6207Loss of auricleRated up to 50%
- 6208Malignant neoplasm of the ear (other than skin only)Rated up to 100%
- 6210Chronic otitis externaRated up to 10%
- 6211Tympanic membrane, perforation ofRated up to 0%
- 6275Sense of smell, complete lossRated up to 10%
- 6276Sense of taste, complete lossRated up to 10%
Common Questions About Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)?
The VA rates Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) under Diagnostic Code 6260 at 10%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Tinnitus, recurrent. The maximum 10% rating requires: Tinnitus, recurrent.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)?
The VA rates Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6260, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.87. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
Can Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) qualify for TDIU?
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) maxes at 10%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)?
The key evidence for Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)?
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is associated with 5 documented secondary conditions. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What happens at the C&P exam for Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)?
The C&P examiner uses a Auditory System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6260 rating criteria. The examiner documents symptom frequency, severity, and functional impact. Bring all treatment records and describe your worst days, not your best — the VA rates on the full clinical picture across time, not a snapshot of one good day.
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VeteranHQ evaluates your symptoms against the exact 38 CFR criteria, identifies secondary conditions, and shows what evidence you need to support a higher rating.
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