VA Disability Rating for Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)
Capped at 10% regardless of severity. Most-claimed condition in the VA system.
Tinnitus (DC 6260) is the single most-claimed VA disability. It is capped at 10% — the VA will not rate higher regardless of whether it is unilateral, bilateral, mild, or severe. But it pairs well with hearing loss and mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, sleep impairment).
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | Recurrent tinnitus. This is the maximum schedular rating — 10% applies whether one or both ears, regardless of severity. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
How to get rated for tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Self-report is accepted — no special test required. The VA recognizes tinnitus as a subjective condition.
- Document onset during service: hazardous noise exposure (weapons fire, explosions, aircraft, generators, machine shops).
- File alongside a hearing loss claim when both are present — they are rated separately.
Common secondary conditions
- +Anxiety disorder
- +Depression
- +Sleep impairment (often rated under insomnia or as a symptom of an SC mental condition)
- +Headaches
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Nexus language: "It is at least as likely as not that the veteran's chronic tinnitus is a direct result of military noise exposure." Service treatment records showing sick-call visits for hearing complaints strengthen the case.
- Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) matters: 11B (infantry), 13B (artillery), aviation, tank crew, small-arms instructor all carry a presumption of hazardous noise exposure.
Frequently asked
Can I get more than 10% for tinnitus?
No. 10% is the VA's maximum schedular rating for tinnitus regardless of severity. But secondary conditions (anxiety, depression, sleep impairment) can be rated additionally.
Do I need an audiogram for a tinnitus claim?
Not for tinnitus itself — the VA accepts self-report. An audiogram is required for a separate hearing loss claim.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.