Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing a sound when no external noise is present, commonly described as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears. This condition is one of the most frequently claimed service-connected disabilities among veterans due to common exposure to high-decibel noise in military environments. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) evaluates this condition for disability compensation through a clinical examination, the legal establishment of a link to military service, and the application of a standardized rating.
The Standard VA Audiological Examination
The VA evaluates a claim for tinnitus primarily through a Compensation and Pension (C\&P) examination, often conducted by an audiologist. The evaluation centers on the veteran’s subjective report of symptoms, since tinnitus cannot be measured objectively like hearing loss. The examiner thoroughly reviews the veteran’s medical history, including any prior diagnoses or treatments related to the condition.
During the C\&P exam, the audiologist asks about the veteran’s symptoms, such as the perceived intensity, frequency of occurrence, and location (one ear, both ears, or within the head). The examiner also asks about the impact of the sound on daily life, including effects on sleep or concentration. This information establishes the existence and nature of the veteran’s experience.
Although tinnitus is subjective, the examination includes audiological testing, such as pure tone audiometry and speech recognition tests. The audiogram measures hearing sensitivity across different frequencies; while it does not measure the tinnitus sound, it helps rule out other conditions and documents any accompanying hearing loss. The examiner uses the gathered information to complete a specific VA Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for Tinnitus, which documents the findings for the VA claim rater.
Establishing Service Connection and Medical Nexus
A diagnosis of tinnitus alone does not qualify a veteran for compensation; the condition must be “service-connected,” meaning it was caused by or aggravated during military service. Establishing the medical nexus is crucial, as it is the professional medical opinion connecting the current diagnosis to an in-service event. This connection must be established by a qualified healthcare provider, such as an audiologist or physician.
The medical opinion must state that the veteran’s tinnitus is “at least as likely as not” related to their military service. This standard requires a probability of a link between the condition and service, often referencing documented exposure to hazardous noise like gunfire, aircraft engines, or heavy machinery. Documentation of noise exposure, combined with a history of hearing issues during service, significantly strengthens the claim.
If the veteran’s service medical records lack clear evidence of noise exposure or a diagnosis of tinnitus, the medical nexus opinion becomes even more important. The C\&P examiner reviews the veteran’s entire claims file to determine if a link exists. This opinion ensures that the legal and medical requirements of the claim are met before the VA assigns a rating.
The VA Rating Schedule for Tinnitus
Once the VA has established a diagnosis of recurrent tinnitus and a service connection, the condition is rated for compensation using the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The rating schedule for tinnitus is unique because it assigns a fixed percentage regardless of the perceived severity of the ringing or buzzing.
The maximum rating authorized for recurrent tinnitus, whether perceived in one ear, both ears, or in the head, is a single 10% disability rating. The specific characteristics of the veteran’s sound perception do not influence this percentage. This fixed rating reflects the VA’s policy that only one evaluation can be assigned for the condition.
If a veteran also has service-connected hearing loss, the 10% rating for tinnitus can be combined with the separate rating for the hearing impairment. Tinnitus can also be a basis for claiming a secondary condition, such as depression or migraines, which may be eligible for a higher rating under a separate diagnostic code. However, the tinnitus component itself remains capped at the 10% rating under the current schedule.