Condition Guide · #1 Most Claimed

Tinnitus VA rating 2026 — 38 CFR §4.87 DC 6260

Updated June 2026 · CFR source: 38 CFR §4.87

Tinnitus is the most commonly rated service-connected condition in the VA system — over 2 million veterans receive compensation for it. It is rated under Diagnostic Code 6260 at a flat 10%, regardless of severity, frequency, or whether it is bilateral or unilateral. The 2026 monthly compensation for 10% tinnitus is $180.42.

Rating schedule — DC 6260

Rating	2026 monthly	Criteria
10%	$180.42	Recurrent tinnitus — bilateral or unilateral. This is the only rating level available for DC 6260.

There is no 0% rating level for tinnitus under DC 6260 — it is either service-connected at 10% or not service-connected. There is also no path to a rating above 10% under this diagnostic code.

Service connection

Tinnitus is typically connected to noise-induced hearing damage from military service. Service connection requires:

A current diagnosis of tinnitus (can be self-reported at the C&P exam).
Evidence of in-service noise exposure — MOS that involved loud equipment, weapons fire, aircraft, or other noise sources.
A nexus between the in-service noise exposure and current tinnitus (often established by the C&P examiner based on exposure history).

Tinnitus does not always require an audiologist's confirmation — the C&P examiner can rely on the veteran's credible report of ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds. In-service noise exposure is easy to document for MOSs like infantry, artillery, aircraft crew, and vehicle operators.

C&P exam — what to expect

The tinnitus C&P examination is typically brief. The examiner relies heavily on the veteran's credible self-report because tinnitus cannot be objectively measured by any instrument. Key points for your exam:

Self-report is the primary evidence. Describe the sound clearly — ringing, buzzing, hissing, or roaring — and whether it is constant or intermittent.
Noise exposure history. Be prepared to describe your MOS and the specific sources of loud noise (weapons fire, aircraft, heavy machinery, vehicles). This establishes the in-service nexus.
Bilateral vs. unilateral. State whether you experience tinnitus in one ear or both. VA rates all tinnitus at 10% regardless, but documenting bilateral onset supports the claim.
No audiologist required. Unlike hearing loss, the C&P examiner (often a general practitioner) does not need audiological testing to confirm tinnitus service connection — your credible report is sufficient.
Functional impact. Describe any sleep disruption, concentration difficulties, or anxiety caused by the tinnitus. While DC 6260 has only one rating level, documenting functional impact supports any future secondary conditions (e.g., insomnia, depression secondary to tinnitus).

How tinnitus contributes to combined ratings

While 10% tinnitus alone pays $180.42/month, its real value is in how it pushes up combined ratings. Common scenarios:

PTSD 50% + tinnitus 10% = 55% → rounds to 60% ($1,435.02). Without tinnitus: 50% ($1,132.90). Tinnitus adds $302.12/month.
PTSD 70% + sleep apnea 50% + tinnitus 10% = 86.5% → 90% ($2,362.30). Without tinnitus: 85% → 90%. In this case, tinnitus pushes slightly higher pre-rounding but stays in the same bracket.
Knee 40% (bilateral-adjusted) + tinnitus 10% = 46% → 50% ($1,132.90). Without tinnitus: 40% ($795.84). +$337/month.

Use the calculator to see exactly how 10% tinnitus changes your combined total:

Add tinnitus to your calculation →

FAQ

Can tinnitus be rated higher than 10%?

No. DC 6260 has only one evaluation level: 10%. Bilateral or unilateral, intermittent or constant — all service-connected tinnitus is rated 10% under the current schedule. The rating schedule has not changed for tinnitus in decades.

Can I get separate ratings for bilateral tinnitus and hearing loss?

Yes. Tinnitus (DC 6260) and hearing loss (rated under §4.85) are separate diagnostic codes and can each be service-connected and rated separately. Bilateral tinnitus receives one 10% rating; hearing loss is evaluated separately using the Maryland CNC speech recognition test.

Tinnitus is my only SC condition — does it affect TDIU?

A single 10% rating does not meet TDIU thresholds (60% single or 70% combined with one at 40%). Tinnitus at 10% contributes to combined ratings when combined with other conditions, but alone is not sufficient for TDIU.

Is tinnitus bilateral or unilateral for VA purposes?

VA rates tinnitus at 10% regardless of whether it is bilateral (both ears) or unilateral (one ear). One 10% rating covers all tinnitus. You cannot receive two 10% ratings for left and right tinnitus separately.