What is the maximum VA rating for tinnitus?

Q: What is the maximum VA rating for tinnitus?

Tinnitus has a single 10% rating under 38 CFR § 4.87, diagnostic code 6260 — that is the maximum, whether the ringing is in one ear or both. Because the schedule provides only one evaluation, a claim for a higher tinnitus percentage cannot succeed on the schedule alone; increases usually come from separately rating hearing loss or related conditions such as headaches or insomnia.

Last verified August 1, 2026 · Reviewed by Esteban Magallon, VA-Accredited Claims Agent

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Tinnitus is one of the most commonly service-connected conditions and is largely established through lay evidence, since only the veteran can report the sound.
Hearing loss is rated separately under 38 CFR § 4.85 based on puretone thresholds and speech discrimination scores.
Conditions aggravated by tinnitus (for example insomnia or a psychiatric condition) may be claimed as secondary with medical support.

This is general educational information about VA claims — not legal or medical advice. Individual outcomes depend on the record. Oakridge Claims is a private VA-Accredited Claims Agent practice and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the maximum VA rating for tinnitus?

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