Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is the #1 most claimed VA disability. The good news: it's relatively easy to service-connect if you had noise exposure in service. The key limitation: 10% is the maximum rating, regardless of severity.
Tinnitus Rating
| Rating | VA Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Recurrent tinnitus (one or both ears) |
10% is the MAXIMUM. Bilateral tinnitus (both ears) does NOT increase the rating. You cannot get more than 10% for tinnitus no matter how severe.
Proving Service Connection
Tinnitus is a subjective condition—there's no objective test. Your testimony about the ringing is competent evidence. VA primarily looks for:
1. Noise Exposure in Service
MOS codes with high noise exposure are especially strong:
- Infantry, Artillery, Aviation
- Mechanics, Engineers
- Any combat arms MOS
- Ship engine rooms, flight decks
2. Current Symptoms
You must have recurrent tinnitus now (not just one-time ringing).
Evidence That Wins
- ✓Veteran lay statement describing ongoing ringing, when it started, how it affects daily life
- ✓MOS with documented high noise exposure (combat arms, aviation, mechanics)
- ✓C&P exam confirming symptoms
- ✓Buddy letters from fellow service members about noise exposure
- ✓Service records showing combat, weapons qualifications, or hazardous noise duties
Evidence That Loses
- ✗No current symptoms reported
- ✗One-time ringing only (not recurrent)
- ✗No documented service noise exposure
- ✗MOS with no reasonable noise exposure
Treatment records are NOT required. Tinnitus is subjective. If your testimony is credible and you had noise exposure, you can win without ever seeing a doctor for it.
Secondary Conditions
While tinnitus itself maxes at 10%, it can support secondary claims:
- Sleep disturbance — Ringing interferes with sleep
- Anxiety/depression — Chronic tinnitus causes mental health issues
- Migraines/headaches — Some veterans experience this link
Claim Hearing Loss Too
If you have tinnitus from noise exposure, you likely also have hearing loss.File both claims together. Hearing loss ratings can range from 0-100% based on audiometric testing.
Filing Tips
- Document your MOS and specific noise exposure in service
- Write detailed personal statement: when ringing started, how often, how it affects you
- Get buddy letters from fellow service members about noise exposure
- Claim hearing loss at the same time
- Consider secondary claims if tinnitus affects sleep or mental health