Tinnitus

DC 6260Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.87, DC 6260

Ringing, buzzing, or other noise in your ears without an external source. Tinnitus has a fixed maximum rating of 10% regardless of whether it affects one or both ears.

Rating Levels

You experience recurrent tinnitus. This is the maximum schedular rating for tinnitus, whether it is in one ear or both.

What the VA looks for

Recurrent tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, hissing)
Subjective report is sufficient — no objective test required
Audiological examination documenting tinnitus

Common Pitfalls

⚠Trying to get more than 10% — tinnitus is capped at 10% by regulation. Focus on secondary conditions (hearing loss, depression from tinnitus) for additional ratings.
⚠Not filing for hearing loss separately — tinnitus and hearing loss are rated under different codes and can be combined.
⚠Missing the connection between tinnitus and mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance) for secondary claims.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Ear Conditions (including Tinnitus)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…