Tinnitus, recurrent

DC 6260 Ears

Tinnitus, recurrent is a VA-ratable condition under diagnostic code 6260 in the Ears category. Maximum rating: 10%.

Rating Criteria

Rating Criteria
10% Recurrent tinnitus (maximum schedular rating)

Important Notes

Maximum schedular rating is 10%, regardless of whether tinnitus is unilateral or bilateral. Only one 10% rating is assigned even if tinnitus is present in both ears. Per Smith v. Nicholson (2005), a veteran cannot receive separate 10% ratings for each ear. Very commonly service-connected.

Common Primary Conditions

This condition is often secondary to: 6100

Filing Tips

Pro Tip: The VA won't connect the dots for you. That's your job. Build the paper trail before you file.

Gather medical evidence showing a current diagnosis of this condition.

Document in-service events, injuries, or exposures that caused or aggravated this condition.

Consider a nexus letter from a medical professional linking your condition to service.

Review the rating criteria for DC 6260 to understand what symptoms warrant higher ratings.