VA rates tinnitus under Diagnostic Code 6260 at a flat 10% — and that's the maximum. It's the same single 10% whether the ringing is in one ear, both ears, or in your head. Tinnitus is the single most commonly awarded VA condition, and it's usually a straightforward direct claim from in-service noise.
Straight talk first
Tinnitus is the easiest high-frequency win in the system and the most misunderstood. Veterans hear "I have it bad in both ears" and expect 20% — but the rule is explicit: one 10% rating, period. That's not a slight; 10% on a condition this common, claimed alongside hearing loss, is points that combine into your total. Because tinnitus is subjective, your own credible account carries real weight — there's no machine that proves ringing.
This is the tinnitus-rating cut of how VA rates conditions.
How the rating works (DC 6260)
- 10% — recurrent tinnitus. This is the maximum.
- One evaluation only — VA assigns a single 10% for recurrent tinnitus whether the sound is perceived in one ear, both ears, or in the head (Note 2).
Where the added value actually is
Since tinnitus tops out at 10%, the value comes from what travels with it:
- Hearing loss (DC 6100) — same noise exposure, rated separately.
- Underlying conditions — tinnitus can be a symptom of TBI, Meniere's disease, or other conditions rated under their own codes.
Claim the companions; don't expect a bigger tinnitus number.
Claiming tinnitus
Usually a direct claim from in-service noise exposure. You need:
- A current complaint of recurrent tinnitus (your credible statement matters here).
- Evidence of the noise exposure — your MOS often supports it.
- A nexus linking them.
See how to file your own claim, and run it with hearing loss through the VA Combined Rating Calculator.
Key takeaways
- Tinnitus (DC 6260) is a flat 10% maximum — one rating for one ear, both, or the head.
- It's the most commonly awarded condition and largely rests on your credible statement + noise exposure.
- Added value comes from hearing loss and any underlying condition, not a higher tinnitus rating.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does VA pay for tinnitus?
- Tinnitus is rated under Diagnostic Code 6260 at a flat 10% — that's the maximum. It's the same 10% whether you have ringing in one ear, both ears, or in your head; VA assigns only a single evaluation for recurrent tinnitus.
- Can I get more than 10% for tinnitus?
- Not for tinnitus itself under DC 6260 — 10% is the ceiling. But tinnitus often comes with hearing loss (rated separately under DC 6100) and can be a symptom of an underlying condition like TBI or Meniere's, which are rated under their own codes. The added value comes from those, not a higher tinnitus number.
- How do I claim tinnitus?
- Tinnitus is usually a direct claim from in-service noise exposure (weapons, aircraft, machinery). Because it's subjective, your own credible statement that you have recurrent ringing, plus evidence of the noise exposure and a nexus, carries a lot of weight. Your MOS often supports the exposure.
- Should I claim hearing loss too?
- Usually yes. Tinnitus and hearing loss frequently come from the same noise exposure, and hearing loss is rated separately under DC 6100. Claiming both is standard, even though hearing loss is often rated 0% under its formula.
Sources
- 38 CFR 4.87 — schedule of ratings, ear (DC 6260, tinnitus): https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/4.87
- 38 CFR 4.85 — evaluation of hearing impairment (DC 6100): https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/4.85
- VA — Hearing loss and tinnitus: https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/
- 38 CFR 3.303 — direct service connection: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/3.303
