Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 6260: Tinnitus Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.87
- Rating range
- 10%
- Rating levels
- 1
- Body system
- Hearing loss and ear conditions
The VA rates Tinnitus under diagnostic code 6260 in 38 CFR § 4.87. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 6260 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Recurrent tinnitus What raters look forrecurrent ringing, buzzing, or other head noise; maximum schedular rating for tinnitus |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Tinnitus. The Tinnitus condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Tinnitus appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 1,123 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Tinnitus as the primary issue. The Tinnitus condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Tinnitus appeals generally rather than DC 6260 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 6260?
Diagnostic code 6260 is the VA rating schedule entry for Tinnitus, found in 38 CFR § 4.87. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 6260?
DC 6260 provides ratings of 10%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 6260 require?
The 10% rating for Tinnitus requires: Recurrent tinnitus.