The VA rates tinnitus at a flat 10% under Diagnostic Code 6260 — that single 10% applies whether the ringing is in one ear or both, and 10% is the maximum for tinnitus itself. Its real value is what it unlocks: tinnitus is frequently service-connected to noise exposure and routinely supports secondary claims for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and migraines, which carry their own ratings on top of the 10%.
Diagnostic code
DC 6260
How the rating works
Tinnitus is capped at 10%. You cannot get 20% for "both ears" — the courts confirmed the single 10% rating. The strategy is to combine tinnitus with hearing loss (rated separately) and with secondary mental-health or sleep conditions.
Secondary conditions to watch for
These are commonly connected to tinnitus — each can be rated on top of it with a medical nexus. Most veterans leave these on the table.
Anxiety
Constant ringing is well-documented to cause or aggravate anxiety.
Depression
Chronic tinnitus is linked to depression, which is separately ratable.
Insomnia / sleep disturbance
Ringing that worsens at night disrupts sleep.
Migraines
Tinnitus is a recognized trigger for headache and migraine claims.
Evidence that wins this claim
- An audiologist’s diagnosis confirming tinnitus.
- Your MOS / duty history showing hazardous noise exposure (artillery, aircraft, weapons, engines).
- A nexus statement linking the tinnitus to service noise.
- For secondaries, a medical opinion connecting them back to the tinnitus.
Tinnitus — frequently asked questions
- What is the VA rating for tinnitus?
- A flat 10% under Diagnostic Code 6260 — the same 10% whether one or both ears are affected. Ten percent is the maximum the VA assigns for tinnitus itself.
- Can I get more than 10% for tinnitus?
- Not for the tinnitus alone. But tinnitus often supports separate, additional ratings for hearing loss and for secondary conditions like anxiety, depression, or insomnia.
- Is tinnitus easy to service-connect?
- It is one of the most commonly granted claims because it’s subjective and tied to documented noise exposure — a clear diagnosis plus a noise-exposure history and a nexus statement is usually enough.
Updated June 2026. Ratings come from the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4); your exact rating depends on the medical evidence. Educational information, not medical or legal advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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