Significant changes are coming to how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) evaluates and compensates tinnitus and for many veterans, the impact could be severe.
Tinnitus is currently one of the most commonly claimed and service-connected VA disability, with millions of veterans receiving a standalone 10% rating under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6260. Under proposed changes expected to take effect in late 2025 or early 2026, that standalone rating would be eliminated entirely.
Instead, tinnitus would only be considered a symptom of another service-connected condition, such as hearing loss or traumatic brain injury (TBI). For many veterans, this could mean losing eligibility for compensation altogether.
“This proposal fundamentally reshapes tinnitus compensation and creates new barriers for veterans,” says Brian Reese, VA disability expert.
Overview: Current vs Proposed VA Tinnitus Ratings
| Category | Current VA Rules (Before Change) | Proposed VA Rules (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone tinnitus rating | Yes (DC 6260) | No |
| Maximum tinnitus rating | 10% | 10% only in limited cases |
| Diagnostic code used | DC 6260 | DC 6100 |
| Tinnitus as a symptom | Optional | Required |
| Compensation if tinnitus is only condition | Yes | No |
| Hearing loss rated 0% + tinnitus | Not required | 10% allowed |
| Hearing loss rated 10%+ | Separate 10% still paid | No added tinnitus rating |
| Impact on existing ratings | N/A | Grandfathered (protected) |
Current VA Tinnitus Rating Rules (Before the Change)
Under the existing VA rating system, tinnitus is straightforward.
How Tinnitus Is Rated Today?
- Diagnostic Code: 6260
- Maximum rating: 10%
- Applies to subjective tinnitus (ringing only the veteran can hear)
- One rating applies whether tinnitus is in one ear or both
This standalone 10% rating has long served as a gateway claim, allowing veterans to establish service connection, access VA health care, and build combined ratings.
“For many veterans, tinnitus is the first condition the VA recognizes as service-connected,” notes a veterans law attorney.
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What’s Changing Under the Proposed 2026 Rules?
The VA is proposing to eliminate Diagnostic Code 6260 entirely.
Key Structural Change
- Tinnitus will no longer be rated as a standalone disability
- It will only be evaluated as a symptom of another condition
- Compensation depends entirely on the underlying service-connected disability
This is a dramatic departure from decades of VA practice.
New Proposed VA Tinnitus Rating Structure (Projected)
Under the proposal, tinnitus would fall under Diagnostic Code 6100, which currently governs hearing loss.
Projected VA Tinnitus Rating Criteria
| Scenario | VA Rating Outcome |
|---|---|
| Hearing loss rated 0% and tinnitus linked to hearing loss | 10% |
| Hearing loss rated 10% or higher | No separate tinnitus rating |
| Tinnitus linked to TBI, Meniere’s disease, or neurocognitive disorders | Rated as part of that condition only |
| Tinnitus as a standalone condition | No compensation |
Important Notes in the Proposal
Note:1
Tinnitus associated with conditions such as:
- Meniere’s disease
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Cerebral arteriosclerosis
- Vascular neurocognitive disorders
must be evaluated only as part of the underlying condition, with no separate rating.
Note: 2
Tinnitus will only be compensated if it is tied to an underlying service-connected disability.
Why This Is a Huge Loss for Veterans?
The proposed changes would significantly reduce access to compensation for tinnitus.
Major Negative Impacts
No More Standalone Tinnitus Claims
Veterans with tinnitus as their only disability may receive no compensation at all.
Loss of the 10% Gateway Rating
The current 10% rating often helps veterans:
- Reach higher combined ratings
- Qualify for additional benefits
- Establish VA health care eligibility
Increased Proof Burden
Veterans must now prove tinnitus is:
- Directly caused by another service-connected condition, and
- Medically linked through evidence or nexus opinions
“This proposal removes one of the most veteran-friendly ratings in the entire system,” says a veterans service officer.
Why the VA Says It’s Changing the Tinnitus Rating?
The VA argues the change reflects modern medical understanding.
VA’s Medical Rationale
- Tinnitus results from abnormal neural activity
- It is usually caused by hearing loss, ear injury, or circulatory issues
- It is generally a symptom, not a disease
The VA says prior regulations may have incorrectly treated tinnitus as independent.
When Will the Tinnitus Rating Changes Take Effect?
Expected Timeline
- Proposal finalized: Fall–Winter 2025
- Cooling-off period: 60 days
- Likely implementation: Late 2025 or early 2026
The timeline may shift due to administrative or legal review.
Will This Affect My Current Tinnitus VA Rating?
Existing Ratings Are Protected
If you already receive 10% for tinnitus, your rating is grandfathered.
- No automatic reductions
- Monthly compensation continues
- Applies only to future claims
“Grandfathering ensures veterans already rated are not penalized,” explains a VA benefits consultant.
Can Veterans Still File Secondary Claims to Tinnitus?
Yes, If You’re Already Service-Connected
Veterans with an existing tinnitus rating may still file secondary claims.
Common Secondary Conditions
- Depression and anxiety
- Sleep disorders
- Migraines
- Cognitive difficulties
Strong medical evidence and nexus opinions remain essential.
What Veterans Should Do Right Now?
File Immediately If You Have Tinnitus
If you are not yet service-connected:
- File before the rule change
- Secure the standalone 10% rating
Prepare Evidence
- Noise exposure records
- Medical diagnosis
- Personal statements
“Timing matters more than ever with tinnitus claims,” warns Brian Reese.
Why This Change Matters So Much?
Eliminating standalone tinnitus ratings:
- Removes compensation for hundreds of thousands
- Raises the burden of proof
- Cuts off a key gateway benefit
For many veterans, tinnitus is their only compensable condition.
Final Thought
The proposed 2026 tinnitus VA rating changes represent one of the most consequential reductions in veteran-friendly benefits in decades.
While existing ratings remain protected, future claims face:
- Higher standards
- Fewer compensable paths
- Loss of the automatic 10% rating
If you have tinnitus and haven’t filed yet, act now this window may soon close.
FAQs
Will the VA eliminate the tinnitus 10% rating?
Yes, for new claims once DC 6260 is removed.
When will the changes take effect?
Likely late 2025 or early 2026.
Will my current rating be reduced?
No, existing ratings are protected.
Can tinnitus still be compensated?
Only in limited situations tied to other conditions.
Should I file now?
Yes, filing early locks in the current rules.
