What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in your ears—or even your head—when no external noise is present. The noise may sound like ringing, buzzing, roaring, hissing, clicking, or even a high-pitched tone. It’s not a disease itself but a symptom, often caused by damage to the tiny hair cells in the inner ear.
For veterans, tinnitus is most often linked to noise exposure during service:
- Gunfire, artillery, and explosions
- Aircraft engines and flight lines
- Heavy machinery and vehicles
- Ship engine rooms or engine maintenance
The noise may be constant or intermittent. It can interfere with sleep, concentration, and mental health—sometimes contributing to anxiety or depression.
How the VA Rates Tinnitus
The VA rates tinnitus under 38 CFR § 4.87, Diagnostic Code 6260. Unlike many other conditions, tinnitus has a maximum schedular rating of 10%, no matter how severe or whether it affects one ear or both.
That 10% rating can be significant if you also have other service-connected conditions. Combined ratings can add up, increasing your overall monthly compensation.
The Three Key Elements of a Successful Tinnitus Claim
To win any VA disability claim, you need three elements:
- A Current Diagnosis
- Even though tinnitus is a “subjective” condition (meaning there’s no definitive lab test), you still need documentation from a qualified medical professional stating that you have tinnitus. This is typically noted during an audiology exam.
- An In-Service Event or ExposureYou must show that something happened during your military service that likely caused or contributed to your tinnitus. This can be:
- Combat or weapons fire
- Prolonged exposure to aircraft or machinery
- A specific blast or explosion
- Your MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) can also be used as supporting evidence if it’s considered high-risk for noise exposure.
- A Medical Nexus (Link)
- This is where a medical provider connects your tinnitus to your service. They might write something like: “It is at least as likely as not that the veteran’s tinnitus is related to noise exposure during military service.” Without this nexus statement, your claim is likely to be denied.
Steps to Submit a Strong Tinnitus Claim
If you believe your tinnitus began during or was caused by your military service, here’s how to strengthen your claim:
- Get an Audiology Evaluation
- A VA or private audiologist can document your tinnitus and note any hearing loss. Even if your hearing test appears normal, tinnitus can still be service-connected.
- Gather Service Records
- Include evidence of your duty assignments, MOS, and any incidents involving noise exposure. For example, a combat arms MOS or flight line duty is often enough to establish probable exposure.
- Submit on VA Form 21-526EZ
- This is the application for disability compensation. Be thorough and attach all evidence up front to avoid delays. Contact us today for assistance. We will streamline the whole process and make it much simpler for you.
Final Thoughts
Tinnitus may not seem like a “big” claim compared to other service-connected injuries, but it is a legitimate and recognized disability. The ringing, buzzing, or hissing can disrupt your quality of life, impact your sleep, and even contribute to mental health issues. The key to winning your tinnitus claim is documentation—linking your current symptoms directly to your military service through credible medical and service evidence. This is where we come into play.
At Winning Strategy for Disabled Veterans, we’ve helped countless veterans successfully secure benefits for tinnitus. Our team understands what the VA looks for and can guide you step-by-step through the process, ensuring your claim is as strong as possible.
If you’re dealing with the constant noise of tinnitus, you don’t have to fight the VA alone. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can secure the compensation you’ve earned through your service.
