Diagnostic code 6260

How the VA Rates Tinnitus

The plain-English version of the 38 CFR Part 4, DC 6260 criteria a VA rater evaluates Tinnitus against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.

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38 CFR Part 4, DC 6260

Tinnitus · 1 levels

10%$180.42a month

2026 VA rates (effective December 1, 2025), veteran alone, as the only rated condition. VA decides the level.

Key facts

Regulation: 38 CFR Part 4, DC 6260
Diagnostic code: 6260
Levels in the schedule: 10%
Top level (10%) pays: $180.42/month2026, veteran alone

The rating levels

Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR Part 4, DC 6260 for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.

10%
$180.42/month
Tinnitus — recurrent tinnitus. This is a flat 10% rating for any documented, recurrent tinnitus. It is the maximum schedular rating for tinnitus (bilateral or unilateral).
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Persistent or recurrent ringing, buzzing, or hissing in one or both ears
- Documented history of noise exposure in service
- Impact on sleep, concentration, or communication

The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.

The evidence that matters most

Audiologist diagnosis + documented in-service noise exposure

C&P exam tips for Tinnitus

1Tinnitus is rated at a flat 10% — your only job at the C&P exam is to confirm it is recurrent and real.
2Describe the character: constant vs. intermittent, pitch, which ear(s).
3Describe functional impact: difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, frustration in conversations.
4Be ready to identify noise exposure sources in service (weapons, aircraft, equipment, combat).

Common mistakes on Tinnitus claims

Expecting more than 10% — schedular maximum is 10% regardless of severity.
Not documenting noise exposure in the nexus letter.
Letting the examiner conflate tinnitus with hearing loss — these are separate conditions with separate diagnostic codes.

Frequently asked questions

What diagnostic code does the VA use for Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is rated under 38 CFR Part 4, DC 6260 — diagnostic code 6260.

What is the highest schedular VA rating for Tinnitus?

10% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Tinnitus. The criteria at that level describe: Tinnitus — recurrent tinnitus. This is a flat 10% rating for any documented, recurrent tinnitus. It is the maximum schedular rating for tinnitus (bilateral or unilateral).

How much does a 10% VA rating for Tinnitus pay in 2026?

$180.42 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.

Can Tinnitus be claimed as a secondary condition?

Yes — veterans commonly file Tinnitus secondary to TBI / Traumatic Brain Injury, Hearing Loss under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310. What carries a secondary claim is a medical nexus opinion connecting it to the service-connected condition.

Build your Tinnitus claim documentation

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Educational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.