Tinnitus Changes

No specific date has been given.

The VA will eliminate the standalone 10% disability rating for tinnitus, requiring veterans to have a service-connected hearing loss of 0% or more to receive compensation for tinnitus, which will then be considered a symptom of the hearing loss.

Key Changes

No More Standalone Tinnitus Rating: The separate diagnostic code for tinnitus (DC 6260) will be removed from the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). 

Tinnitus as a Symptom: Tinnitus will be evaluated as a symptom of another service-connected condition, such as hearing loss, TBI, or Meniere’s disease. 

Hearing Loss is Key: To receive compensation for tinnitus, a veteran must have a service-connected hearing loss rating of 0% or more. 

No Additional Compensation for Existing Hearing Loss: If you already have a 10% or higher disability rating for hearing loss, a tinnitus diagnosis will not increase your hearing loss rating, as it will be considered part of that existing condition. 

What Veterans Should Do Now

Seek Professional Help: Consult with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO), claims agent, or attorney to help you navigate the changes and strengthen your claim by providing necessary evidence. 

File Claims Early: If you have a tinnitus claim and haven’t established service connection, you should act quickly to file it before the August 2025 changes go into effect.

Establish Service Connection: You will need to provide a current medical diagnosis of tinnitus, proof of an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and a medical opinion (nexus letter) linking your tinnitus to your military service.

Document Secondary Conditions: Tinnitus may be linked to secondary conditions like anxiety, depression, migraines, or sleep disturbances. Documenting and claiming these secondary conditions can help you receive additional compensation.