How VA Rates Tinnitus: 10% Standalone Rule and Secondary Connections

Tinnitus is evaluated under 38 CFR 4.87, Diagnostic Code 6260. The schedule provides a single maximum rating of 10 percent for recurrent subjective tinnitus. Only one evaluation is assigned whether tinnitus is perceived in one ear, both ears, or in the head. It is never rated at 10 percent per ear, and there is no 20 percent bilateral tinnitus evaluation. Unlike other conditions, there are no higher percentage tiers regardless of symptom intensity or sleep disruption.

Under DC 6260 Note (3), objective tinnitus is not evaluated under DC 6260. Objective tinnitus refers to sounds generated by internal body structures (such as vascular bruits or palatal myoclonus) that an examiner can hear with a stethoscope or physical examination. Instead of receiving a flat 10 percent rating under DC 6260, objective tinnitus is evaluated as part of the underlying condition causing it, such as a vascular, muscular, or neurological disorder.

Tinnitus and hearing loss (DC 6100) are evaluated separately. As long as the tinnitus finding is not being used to qualify for the hearing loss rating itself, preventing the same symptom from being double-counted, a veteran can receive a 10 percent rating for tinnitus alongside a separate rating for hearing loss under 38 CFR 4.14. Under DC 6260 Note (1), a separate tinnitus evaluation may be combined with other inner ear evaluations unless tinnitus is an inherent element supporting the evaluation under that code, such as DC 6205 Meniere's syndrome.

Tinnitus is frequently linked to hazardous military noise exposure, but it can also be claimed secondary to service-connected conditions such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) or cervical neck trauma. Association between conditions does not by itself establish secondary service connection. The evidence must support causation or aggravation in the individual claim through documented clinical findings and a well-reasoned medical nexus opinion.