Tinnitus means you hear ringing, buzzing, hissing, or roaring that no one else can hear.

VA's code numbers for this: 6260

Who does it: A VA doctor or a VA contract examiner. VA's exam page (updated Aug 15, 2025) names four contract companies: Loyal Source Government Services, OptumServe Health Services, Leidos QTC Health Services, and Veterans Evaluation Services (VES). (LHI is an older name; it is now part of OptumServe.) You can't pick which one. Answer every call or letter about scheduling.

• A VA or contract audiologist (hearing specialist) sees you, usually in the same visit as the hearing test.
• They ask: When did it start? Is it there all the time or does it come and go? One ear, both, or in your head? What noise were you around in service and after?
• The tinnitus part takes a few minutes. The whole hearing visit often takes about 30-60 minutes.

The examiner fills out a form called a DBQ. You can read it ahead of time: Hearing Loss and Tinnitus DBQ (not public; only a VA or VA contract audiologist can fill it out). The public Ear DBQ covers other ear problems. (opens VA's site).

• 10%

  You hear the sound off and on, or all the time. That gets 10%. This is the only level. One ear or both ears is still just one 10%.

  VA's exact words

  6260 Tinnitus, recurrent ... 10. Note (2): Assign only a single evaluation for recurrent tinnitus, whether the sound is perceived in one ear, both ears, or in the head.

  Rule: 38 CFR 4.87, DC 6260, Notes (1)-(3)

What to write down: When you hear it, how loud it seems, and how it gets in your way (sleep, focus, hearing people talk). Also write down your noise history in service.

How: Keep a short note for 2 weeks. Write one line each day. Also write one page about service noise: your job, weapons, engines, flight line, no earplugs, and when you first noticed ringing.

What to bring: Bring a photo ID, your list of medicines and doses, your home log, and any new private records you have not sent to VA yet. VA says you don't have to bring anything, but your notes help you remember. A spouse or caregiver may come along. VA says you can ask the examiner if they can stay in the room. The examiner may ask them to wait outside.

Tell the examiner

• Tell the whole truth. Don't add to it. Don't shrink it.
• Describe a normal day AND your worst days. Say how often the worst days happen.
• Answer the question you were asked. Skip the habit of saying 'I'm fine' or 'it's not that bad' when it is.
• It's OK to read from your log or notes. Hand the examiner a copy if they will take it.
• Don't act out symptoms or guess at numbers. If you don't know or can't remember, say so.
• If something hurts or makes you worse during the exam, say so right then.
• Fraud warning: knowingly giving VA false information is a federal crime (18 U.S.C. 1001) and can cost you all your benefits (38 U.S.C. 6103). Honest, complete answers protect you.

• Saying 'I don't know when it started' when you do remember. If it started in service, say so and say what you were doing.

  Where this comes from: Charles v. Principi, 16 Vet. App. 370 (2002): ringing in the ears is something you can report yourself (lay-observable).

• Thinking a normal hearing test at discharge ends the claim. It does not. VA must still look at your whole story.

  Where this comes from: Hensley v. Brown, 5 Vet. App. 155 (1993) (hearing loss; same logic is used for noise injuries)

• Expecting two ratings for two ears. The law allows only one 10%.

  Where this comes from: Smith v. Nicholson, 451 F.3d 1344 (Fed. Cir. 2006); 38 CFR 4.87 DC 6260 Note (2)

• Not mentioning it at all because you're used to it. If you hear it often, say so.

  Where this comes from: HTB practice note (secondary): Veterans often under-report at exams

1. Do you hear ringing or buzzing? How often - every day, most nights?
2. When did you first notice it? What were you doing in the military then?
3. Does it keep you from falling asleep, or wake you up?
4. Do you have trouble hearing people talk because of it?
5. What loud noise were you around in service, and did you have ear protection?

• Proposed, not law yet

  VA proposed to delete the separate 10% for tinnitus. Tinnitus would be rated only as part of the condition that causes it (like hearing loss). It would add 10% to hearing loss only if the hearing loss itself is rated 0%.

  Where it stands: Proposed Feb 15, 2022. Not final as of Oct 30, 2026 (no final rule in the Federal Register; eCFR 4.87 last changed 2017). VA has said current ratings would be protected.

  87 FR 8474 (Feb 15, 2022), RIN 2900-AQ72; supplemental 89 FR 74162 (Sept 12, 2024)

• eCFR 38 CFR 4.87 Schedule of ratings - ear
• Federal Register 87 FR 8474 proposed ENT/audiology/respiratory rule
• Smith v. Nicholson (Fed. Cir. 2006)
• VA public DBQ list, last updated Sept 15, 2025
• VA.gov - VA claim exam (C&P exam) page, last updated Aug 15, 2025

Checked against VA's rules on October 30, 2026.