Historically, Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) has been rated as a standalone disability at a maximum of 10%. Under the VA's modernized rating schedule (updating ENT and Audiology systems), the VA is shifting to evaluate Tinnitus as a symptom of underlying hearing loss, rather than a standalone 10% condition. If you are already rated at 10% for Tinnitus, you are grandfathered in and will not lose your rating.
| Percentage | Official Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Recurrent tinnitus, whether perceived in one ear, both ears, or in the head. Assign only a single evaluation. |
Source: 38 CFR § 4.87, Diagnostic Code 6260.
1. Confirm diagnosis and timeline.
2. Check Duty MOS Noise Exposure Listing.
3. Map secondary claims (migraines, anxiety, sleep).
4. Draft lay evidence and nexus packet.
References: 38 CFR 4.87, 38 CFR 3.310.
Many veterans ask if the VA is "getting rid" of Tinnitus. The VA is not denying that Tinnitus is a disability. Instead, the VA is modernizing the rating schedule to align with current medical consensus, which treats Tinnitus as a symptom of hearing loss or traumatic brain injury (TBI), rather than an independent disease.
Source: Federal Register VASRD ENT Updates.
Because Tinnitus is entirely subjective (a doctor cannot "see" or measure the ringing), winning your claim relies on establishing a high probability of noise exposure during service.
The VA uses the Duty MOS Noise Exposure Listing (originally established via Fast Letter 10-35). If your Military Occupational Specialty (e.g., Infantry, Artillery, Aviation, Machinery) is listed as having a "Highly Probable" or "Probable" risk of hazardous noise exposure, the VA will concede the in-service event. You then only need a current diagnosis and a nexus statement to win your claim.
While a standalone Tinnitus rating pays $171.23 per month, its true value lies in acting as a "gateway" for high-value secondary conditions. The constant ringing frequently causes severe secondary disabilities. If you have a 10% Tinnitus rating, you can file secondary claims for:
10%: $171.23 / month (standalone veteran, no dependents, 2026 rates)
Under legacy Diagnostic Code 6260, the maximum rating for tinnitus is 10%. The VA evaluates tinnitus as a single condition regardless of whether it affects one ear, both ears, or is perceived in the head. You cannot get 10% for each ear.
No. The VA is modernizing the rating schedule to treat tinnitus as a symptom of hearing loss rather than a standalone condition. If you applied before the changes took effect, you are evaluated under legacy criteria (standalone 10%). If you already hold a 10% tinnitus rating, you are grandfathered in and will not lose it.
Tinnitus is subjective. Winning your claim relies on establishing noise exposure during service. The VA uses the Duty MOS Noise Exposure Listing. If your Military Occupational Specialty (e.g., Infantry, Artillery, Aviation) is listed as having probable or highly probable noise exposure, the VA will concede the in-service event. You then need a current diagnosis and nexus statement.
A 10% tinnitus rating acts as a gateway for high-value secondary claims. Common secondaries include migraines (max 50%), anxiety and depression (max 100%), and insomnia or sleep apnea (max 50%). The constant ringing often triggers these conditions. See 38 CFR § 3.310 for secondary service connection rules.