Tinnitus is rated at a flat 10%, but it can support secondary claims for conditions it causes or worsens, such as anxiety, depression, sleep problems or migraines. Each secondary condition needs its own diagnosis and a medical opinion linking it to your service-connected tinnitus. VA decides every claim on its own evidence.
What does VA pay for tinnitus?
VA rates recurrent tinnitus under Diagnostic Code 6260 in the rating schedule (38 CFR 4.87). There is one level, 10%, and the rule says to assign only a single evaluation whether the ringing is in one ear, both ears or in the head. Severity does not move the number.
In 2026, a 10% rating pays $180.42 a month for a veteran alone (rates effective Dec 1, 2025 through Nov 30, 2026). VA publishes the new table each December, so check VA’s rates page for the current amount.
What is secondary service connection?
Under 38 CFR 3.310, a disability that is caused by, or made worse by, a service-connected condition can itself be service connected. The new condition does not have to trace back to an event in service. It has to trace back to the condition VA has already rated. For the full concept, see our guide to how secondary service connection works.
Which secondary conditions are claimed with tinnitus?
- Anxiety or depression. Constant ringing can wear on concentration and mood. Mental health conditions are rated from 0% to 100% based on how much they affect work and social life. Our post on migraines and mental health secondary to tinnitus goes deeper on this chain.
- Sleep disturbance or insomnia. If tinnitus keeps you awake and a doctor diagnoses a sleep disorder, that diagnosis can be claimed as secondary. Sleep apnea is different: it is a breathing condition, and a link to tinnitus is not a common medical finding, so expect VA to want a strong medical rationale. See sleep apnea and VA ratings for how those claims are built.
- Headaches or migraines. Some veterans report them with severe tinnitus. They need a diagnosis and a doctor’s opinion tying them to the tinnitus or to a related condition.
- Hearing loss. This is usually a companion claim, not a secondary one. Noise exposure often causes both. Hearing loss is rated separately from tinnitus, and the two can be combined. See VA hearing loss ratings.
What evidence does a secondary claim need?
- A current diagnosis of the new condition from a licensed provider.
- Service connection for tinnitus already granted, or claimed at the same time.
- A medical opinion that the new condition is at least as likely as not (50% or greater probability) caused or aggravated by the tinnitus. Your own treating doctor can write it. VA does not require a paid opinion.
- Your own statement about when symptoms started and how they affect sleep, mood or work.
Woobie offers independent medical opinions from licensed professionals for a flat fee that does not depend on the outcome. Woobie is not a law firm or an accredited claims agent and does not file claims. You can file for free on VA.gov or with an accredited representative.
How do you establish service connection for tinnitus itself?
Usually you need a current diagnosis (or a clear description of recurrent ringing), noise exposure during service and a link between the two. Your job, unit records and DD-214 can show exposure. If you never reported ringing on active duty, a statement from you and from someone who served with you can help. Missing service treatment records do not automatically end a claim.
Tinnitus pays the same 10% whatever else you add, so the extra value comes from how ratings combine. VA does not add them up. Try the free VA disability calculator to see how a new rating might combine with the ones you have.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get more than 10% for tinnitus?
No. VA’s rating schedule has a single 10% level for recurrent tinnitus, whatever the severity and whether it affects one ear, both ears or the head. Related conditions such as hearing loss or anxiety are rated separately and combined with it.
Can tinnitus and hearing loss both be rated?
Yes in most cases. The rating schedule allows a separate tinnitus evaluation to be combined with hearing loss, except when the tinnitus is what supports the hearing rating itself. Each is rated on its own criteria.
Do I need a nexus letter for a secondary condition?
You need medical evidence linking the new condition to your service-connected one. A written opinion from a licensed provider is the usual way. Your own treating doctor can write it, and VA does not require a paid one.
Can I file for tinnitus years after leaving service?
Yes. There is no deadline to file for service connection. The effective date is generally set by when VA receives your claim or when entitlement arose, so filing earlier can matter for back pay.
Questions about your medical evidence? Woobie offers a free consultation to talk through your situation. Woobie is not a law firm or an accredited claims agent and does not file claims. Schedule a free consultation →