Ratings

Tinnitus and the VA rating

One rating, 10 percent, whether the ringing is in one ear, both ears, or in your head.

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Heads up, rule change proposed. On 15 February 2022 VA published a proposed rule that would eliminate Diagnostic Code 6260 and compensate tinnitus as a symptom of an underlying condition (for hearing loss, a 10 percent evaluation only when the hearing loss itself is noncompensable). A proposal is not the law. As of September 2026 my search of the Federal Register found no final rule on tinnitus. Check the Federal Register notice and the current 38 CFR 4.87 before you rely on this page.

The rating today

Under 38 CFR 4.87, Diagnostic Code 6260 (tinnitus, recurrent) is rated 10 percent. The rule says to assign only a single evaluation for recurrent tinnitus, whether the sound is perceived in one ear, both ears, or in the head. VA's General Counsel opinion 2-2003 says the same: separate ratings for each ear may not be assigned. A separate tinnitus evaluation may be combined with an evaluation for hearing loss or another ear condition, except when the tinnitus supports that other evaluation.

Diagnostic Code 6260

Diagnostic Code 626010 percentrecurrent tinnitus10 percentone earsingle evaluationboth earssingle evaluation
recurrent tinnitus: 10 percent; one ear: single evaluation; both ears: single evaluation.38 CFR 4.87 (eCFR) ยท Page reviewed September 2026.

For how tinnitus can be connected to service, including the one-year rule, and for other ear conditions, see Ear Conditions VA Ratings: Vertigo, Infection and the Exam.

If you disagree with a decision

A Supplemental Claim is an option if you have new and relevant evidence, or you are asking for a review based on a change in law. VA's page explains who can file and how.

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