Tinnitus

Overview

Tinnitus is ringing, buzzing, or other sound in the ears or head that others cannot hear. Many service members work around weapons, aircraft, engines, and other loud noise. Because no test measures the sound itself, a veteran's own description of the symptom matters.

How VA rates it

Diagnostic Code 6260 · 38 CFR 4.87

Here is a plain language summary of the rating levels in the regulation. Read the official text for the exact wording.

The regulation says to assign a single rating whether the sound is in one ear, both ears, or the head. It may be combined with a hearing loss rating.

Common secondary connections

These are conditions often discussed in connection with Tinnitus. A secondary claim generally needs medical evidence that one condition caused or worsened another. This list is general education, not a suggestion about any claim.

• Hearing loss
• Sleep problems
• Anxiety or depression
• Often discussed as related to TBI

Presumptive notes

VA does not list this condition on its main presumptive lists covered in this library. Service connection is generally shown with evidence of a current condition, an in service event, and a link between them. See VA hazardous materials exposure for other presumptive programs.

Evidence veterans generally gather

VA describes evidence types in its evidence guide. For this condition, veterans often collect:

• Records of noise exposure, such as your job or duty assignments
• Hearing test (audiology) records
• Statements about when the ringing started
• A current diagnosis from a medical provider
• Service treatment records and personnel records
• VA and private treatment records
• Statements from you, family, or fellow service members (lay statements)
• A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) completed by a provider, if available

Official source

Rating levels: 38 CFR 4.87 on eCFR. Rules change; always confirm the current text.

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