Tinnitus
Recurrent tinnitus is rated at 10% under Diagnostic Code 6260. That's the maximum, whether it's in one ear or both. Because tinnitus is subjective, your own competent description of when it started and how it continues is important evidence.
Hearing loss
Hearing loss is rated mechanically from audiology test results: a Maryland CNC speech discrimination test and a puretone threshold test, applied to VA's tables (38 CFR § 4.85). Many veterans have real hearing loss that rates 0%, but a 0% service-connected rating still matters for VA health care and for future increases.
Showing noise exposure
- Your military occupation (VA keeps a duty-noise probability list by MOS/rating)
- Service records of weapons qualification, flight line, engine rooms, artillery, or combat
- Entrance and separation hearing tests showing threshold shifts
- Your statement and buddy statements
Related conditions
With supporting medical evidence, some veterans establish secondary service connection for anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, or migraines related to tinnitus.
Get a free, no-obligation review from a VA-accredited claims agent.
Official sources
38 CFR 4.87 (DC 6260) · 38 CFR 4.85
Rating criteria summarized for general information. Read the full regulation for details. Last reviewed October 2026.