Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, is one of the most common issues veterans face after serving our country.
In fact, tinnitus is the #1 most common service-connected VA disability, with 2,944,093 veterans currently receiving disability benefits for the condition according to the VBA’s Annual Benefits Report.
Whether it’s that constant buzzing, hissing, or ringing, tinnitus can be a relentless, life-altering condition.
I know firsthand how disruptive it can be—it impacts your focus, your sleep, and even your peace of mind.
The good news?
If you’re a veteran dealing with tinnitus, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits.
In this blog post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about VA ratings for tinnitus, including pro tips and strategies to help you prove service connection, how the VA currently rates tinnitus, and potential changes to the rating system that you should be aware of.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Tinnitus is the most common service-connected disability among veterans, with nearly 2.9 million veterans receiving benefits for this condition. Despite its prevalence, the VA currently limits the disability rating for tinnitus to 10%, regardless of its impact on a veteran’s life.
- Tinnitus can severely disrupt a veteran’s quality of life, affecting their ability to concentrate, sleep, and engage in daily activities. Veterans suffering from tinnitus may experience related conditions like anxiety, depression, and hearing loss, which can further complicate their well-being.
- To qualify for a VA disability rating for tinnitus, veterans need to provide a clear diagnosis, evidence of in-service noise exposure, and a medical nexus linking their tinnitus to their military service. Proper documentation and personal statements are crucial to strengthening a claim.
- The VA has proposed changes to how tinnitus is rated, potentially eliminating the standalone 10% rating. Future ratings may only consider tinnitus as part of an underlying condition, such as hearing loss, emphasizing the importance of understanding and navigating these changes.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external noise is present.
It can affect one or both ears and may vary in pitch and intensity.
The condition is often described as a ringing in the ears, but some veterans may hear buzzing, hissing, whistling, or clicking sounds.
The noise can be a minor distraction for some, but for others, it can be so severe that it interferes with their ability to concentrate, sleep, or hear external sounds clearly.
Symptoms of Tinnitus
While tinnitus is a condition that primarily affects hearing, its impact can extend far beyond just the ears.
Symptoms of tinnitus may include:
- Persistent or intermittent ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears
- Difficulty concentrating due to the constant noise
- Trouble falling or staying asleep, as tinnitus can become more noticeable in quiet environments
- Increased stress, anxiety, or depression related to the persistent noise
- Problems with hearing external sounds clearly, especially in environments with background noise
What are the Tinnitus Risk Factors for Military Veterans?
Tinnitus risk factors for military veterans primarily stem from their exposure to loud noises and physically demanding activities during service.
Some key risk factors include:
- Exposure to Loud Noises: Veterans who have been around gunfire, explosions, aircraft, heavy machinery, or other high-decibel environments are at a higher risk of developing tinnitus. Repeated exposure to these loud noises can damage the inner ear, leading to the persistent ringing or buzzing sounds associated with tinnitus.
- Combat Operations: Those who served in combat zones are particularly susceptible to tinnitus due to the frequent exposure to loud and sudden noises, such as gunfire, mortar blasts, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
- Occupational Specialties: Certain military occupational specialties, such as artillery, aviation, and mechanics, involve regular exposure to loud noises, increasing the likelihood of developing tinnitus.
- Head and Neck Injuries: Veterans who have experienced head or neck injuries during their service are at an elevated risk of tinnitus. Trauma to these areas can disrupt the auditory pathways or damage the nerves responsible for hearing.
- Long-Term Use of Medications: Some medications commonly used during military service, such as certain antibiotics or anti-malarial drugs, have been associated with ototoxicity, which can cause or worsen tinnitus.
- Stress and Mental Health Conditions: The stress and mental health challenges associated with military service, particularly in combat, can contribute to the onset or exacerbation of tinnitus. Conditions like PTSD are often linked with tinnitus, as the stress can heighten the perception of the ringing or buzzing sounds.
- Aging: As with the general population, aging can be a factor, especially in veterans. Age-related hearing loss can increase the risk of developing tinnitus, particularly if combined with previous noise exposure from military service.
VA Disability Rating for Ringing in Ears
The VA currently rates tinnitus under CFR Title 38, Part 4, in the Schedule for Rating Disabilities, specifically under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6260 for Tinnitus, Recurrent.
The only VA disability rating available for tinnitus is 10%, with no higher or lower ratings.
Regardless of the significant impact tinnitus can have on a veteran’s quality of life—such as disrupting sleep, concentration, and hearing—the VA caps the rating at 10%, whether it affects one or both ears.
To qualify for this rating, veterans need to provide evidence that links their tinnitus to their military service.
This typically involves a current diagnosis, documentation of in-service noise exposure, and a medical nexus that connects the condition to their service.
Secondary Service Connection for Ringing in Ears
There are numerous high-value secondary VA claims that can be connected to tinnitus.
Here’s the most common secondary conditions linked to tinnitus:
1. Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is often closely associated with tinnitus, as both conditions can result from exposure to loud noises during military service. While tinnitus is the perception of sound without an external source, hearing loss is the actual reduction in the ability to hear sounds. Veterans with tinnitus frequently experience hearing loss as a secondary condition, and both can exacerbate each other, making daily communication and tasks more challenging.
2. Anxiety
The persistent noise of tinnitus can lead to significant anxiety, especially when it disrupts sleep and concentration. The constant ringing or buzzing can cause stress and worry, leading to a heightened state of anxiety. Veterans might develop anxiety as a secondary condition due to the ongoing mental strain caused by tinnitus, which can further impact their quality of life.
3. Depression
Chronic tinnitus can lead to depression, particularly if the condition severely affects a veteran’s ability to enjoy life, work, or interact with others. The frustration and helplessness that often accompany tinnitus can contribute to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities, which are key symptoms of depression.
4. Insomnia
Tinnitus can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to insomnia. The constant noise can become more pronounced in quiet environments, such as during the night, making it hard for veterans to get restful sleep. Over time, this lack of sleep can compound other issues, such as anxiety and depression, creating a cycle of worsening symptoms.
5. Migraines (Headaches)
Some veterans with tinnitus experience migraines as a secondary condition. The stress and tension caused by the persistent ringing or buzzing can trigger or exacerbate migraine headaches. Migraines are severe headaches that can be debilitating, often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances.
6. Vertigo
Vertigo, a condition characterized by dizziness and a spinning sensation, is another common secondary condition to tinnitus. Tinnitus, particularly when associated with inner ear disorders like Ménière’s disease, can lead to balance issues and vertigo. Veterans with both conditions may find it difficult to perform daily tasks that require physical coordination and stability.
7. Ménière’s Disease
Ménière’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can cause episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Veterans with tinnitus may develop Ménière’s disease as a secondary condition, or it can exacerbate their tinnitus symptoms. This condition can be particularly debilitating, as it not only involves constant ringing in the ears but also severe dizziness and balance issues, further complicating a veteran’s daily life.
Are VA Rating Changes Coming to Tinnitus Claims?
Yes, the VA has proposed changes to how it will evaluate and rate tinnitus, and these changes could significantly impact veterans.
The current easy-to-obtain 10% rating for tinnitus might soon be a thing of the past.
Under the proposed changes, the VA would no longer provide a separate rating for tinnitus under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6260.
Instead, tinnitus would be rated only as part of its underlying condition, such as hearing loss.
For example, under the new DC 6100, a 10% rating for tinnitus would only be available if the associated hearing loss is non-compensable at 0%.
If the hearing loss is already rated at 10% or more, there would be no additional rating for tinnitus.
Here’s how it would work:
- If hearing loss is rated at 0% and tinnitus is linked to this hearing loss, a 10% rating for tinnitus could be assigned.
- If hearing loss is rated at 10% or higher, no separate rating for tinnitus would be provided.
The proposed changes would only allow tinnitus to be compensated as part of an underlying service-connected condition, such as hearing loss, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or other related disorders.
Will the New Tinnitus Rating Criteria Impact My Current Rating?
No, if you already have a service-connected disability rating for tinnitus under DC 6260, it will not be affected by these proposed changes.
You will be “grandfathered in” under the existing rating system.
Finally, the proposed tinnitus rating changes will have a 60-day cooling off period prior to implementation (once the rule is official, there’s a 60-day waiting period before it goes into effect).
Pro Tips and Strategies to Get VA Disability Benefits for Tinnitus
Here are some pro tips and strategies for veterans seeking VA disability benefits for tinnitus:
1. Document Your Symptoms Thoroughly
Keep a detailed record of your tinnitus symptoms, including when they started, how often they occur, and how they affect your daily life. This information can be valuable during your Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for tinnitus and in your overall claim strategy.
2. Get a Current Medical Diagnosis of Tinnitus
Ensure you have a current, clear diagnosis of tinnitus from a qualified healthcare provider, such as an audiologist or an ENT specialist. The diagnosis should be well-documented in your medical records.
3. Provide Evidence of In-Service Noise Exposure
Gather evidence of your exposure to loud noises during your military service. This could include service records that show you were in a noisy environment, such as near gunfire, aircraft, or explosions, or documentation of your military occupational specialty (MOS) that inherently involved noise exposure.
4. Establish a Strong Nexus
Obtain a nexus letter from your healthcare provider that explicitly links your tinnitus to your military service. This letter should explain how your in-service noise exposure likely caused or contributed to your tinnitus. Learn how to find doctors who write nexus letters for veterans.
5. Prepare for the C&P Exam
Be honest and specific during your C&P exam. Clearly explain how your tinnitus affects your life, including issues with sleep, concentration, and emotional well-being. Mention any related symptoms like hearing loss or balance issues.
6. Write a Strong Personal Statement in Support of a Claim
Craft a detailed personal statement that outlines how tinnitus has impacted your life. Discuss how the condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. This statement should be included with your VA disability claim to provide a firsthand account of the challenges you face due to tinnitus.
7. Leverage Buddy Statements
Consider including buddy statements from fellow service members or family members who can attest to your noise exposure during service or the impact of tinnitus on your life. These personal accounts can support your claim.
8. Submit All Relevant Medical Records
Ensure that all relevant medical records, both from during and after your service, are submitted with your claim. This includes any records that document treatment or evaluation for tinnitus.
By following these tips and strategies, you can improve your chances of successfully obtaining VA disability benefits for tinnitus.
About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
