Tinnitus
Subjective ringing/buzzing in the ears. Capped at 10% (both ears combined). Lay statement alone is sufficient — no formal diagnosis required.
Common symptoms
- Ringing
- Buzzing
- Hissing
- Roaring
- Clicking
- Humming
VA rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Recurrent (regardless of one or both ears) |
Pro tips
Common secondaries from this condition
If Tinnitus is service-connected, these are conditions worth investigating as secondaries (caused or aggravated by it).
Migraine Headaches
Recurring debilitating headaches. The word 'prostrating' is key for higher ratings.
Insomnia Disorder
Difficulty falling/staying asleep. Often filed as secondary to PTSD, anxiety, depression, or chronic pain.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Persistent, excessive worry across multiple domains. Rated identically to PTSD under §4.130.
Major Depressive Disorder
Persistent depressed mood, loss of interest, and associated symptoms. Common secondary to chronic pain.
Peripheral Vestibular Disorders (Vertigo/BPPV)
Dizziness and balance problems. Often secondary to tinnitus or TBI.
Filing this claim
This is typically filed as a direct service connection claim. You need a current diagnosis, evidence of in-service event or exposure, and a nexus letter linking them. Use the letter generators to draft your nexus letter and Statement in Support of Claim.
Step by step
- File an Intent to File (Form 21-0966) to lock your effective date.
- Confirm you have a current medical diagnosis in a medical record.
- Get a nexus letter — magic phrase: "at least as likely as not."
- Write a Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138).
- If applicable, gather buddy statements (21-10210).
- File the formal 21-526EZ.
Source: 38 CFR §4.87. For exact regulatory language, consult eCFR Title 38. This is general education — for your specific case, consult a VA-accredited representative.