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% | Tinnitus, recurrent What raters look forrecurrent tinnitus; single evaluation whether perceived in one ear, both ears, or the head |
DC 6260 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 2,531 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 6260 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 1.4%, denied 97.4% and sent 1.2% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 6260 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
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 28,921 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Tinnitus, 2021 to 2026. The Tinnitus condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Tinnitus appeals generally rather than DC 6260 specifically. The DC 6260 section above counts this code's own rating appeals. 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: Tinnitus, recurrent.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 6260?
In 2,530 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 6260 from 2021 to 2026, 1.4% were granted, 97.4% denied and 1.2% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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