Tinnitus, recurrent — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 6260)

The VA rates Tinnitus, recurrent under Diagnostic Code 6260 at the following tiers: 10%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Tinnitus, recurrent. The maximum 10% rating requires: Tinnitus, recurrent.

Diagnostic Code 6260 is the VA rating identifier for Tinnitus, recurrent within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.87. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

The highest schedular rating for Tinnitus, recurrent under DC 6260 is 10%. This tier requires: Tinnitus, recurrent. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Tinnitus, recurrent alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Tinnitus, recurrent is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.87, Diagnostic Code 6260. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Conditions commonly secondary to Tinnitus, recurrent include: Migraine Headaches (Tinnitus-Associated), Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ), Anxiety Disorder (Tinnitus-Related), Insomnia / Sleep Disturbance, Major Depressive Disorder / Anxiety Disorder. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Medical nexus evidence linking the primary and secondary condition is required.

Service connection for Tinnitus, recurrent requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.