Top 10 Questions About the Upcoming VA Tinnitus Rating Changes

Tinnitus is one of the most claimed VA disabilities, affecting over 3.2 million veterans according a 2024 VA compensation report. But big VA tinnitus rating changes are coming in 2025. The VA is planning to update how tinnitus is rated under the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD), and this shift could significantly impact both current and future claims.  

If you already receive VA benefits for tinnitus or are thinking of filing a new claim, now is the time to understand what’s changing and how to protect your compensation. 

If you have tinnitus from your time in service but are not yet service connected, acting now could have a big impact on your future VA disability benefits.  

In this article, we break down the top 10 questions veterans are asking about the upcoming VA tinnitus rating changes—so you know what to expect and how to be prepared.

Key Takeaways

• The VA is planning to eliminate tinnitus as a standalone disability rating, effective after April 2025. 

• Veterans already rated for tinnitus will be grandfathered in and won’t lose existing benefits. 

• New tinnitus claims may require a linked condition (like hearing loss or TBI) to qualify for compensation. 

• Filing a claim before the rule changes, along with strong medical evidence like a Nexus Letter, is key to maximizing benefits. 

Upcoming VA Tinnitus Rating Changes: Top 10 Questions

1. What is the VA changing about tinnitus ratings in 2025?

The VA plans to eliminate tinnitus as a standalone disability rating. Under the current Diagnostic Code (DC) 6260, veterans can receive a 10% rating for tinnitus, even if only one ear is affected. The new proposal would rate tinnitus only as a symptom of another underlying condition, such as hearing loss, using DC 6100. If there’s no associated ratable condition, tinnitus on its own would no longer qualify for compensation. 

2. Will I lose my current VA disability rating for tinnitus?

No. If you’re already receiving a disability rating for tinnitus, you’ll be “grandfathered” in under the old rules. That means your benefits will not be taken away. However, any new claims filed after the rule change takes effect will be evaluated under the new criteria. 

3. What if I have a tinnitus claim pending when the rule changes? 

Most likely, your claim will still be processed under the current rules if it was filed before the new regulation takes effect. This means you could still receive a 10% rating for tinnitus as a standalone condition if your claim is approved. 

4. Can I still file a tinnitus claim under the old system?

Yes—but act fast. The VA still rates tinnitus under § 4.87 Schedule of ratings—ear. Until the VA officially implements the new rule you can still file a claim under DC 6260 and potentially receive the 10% tinnitus VA rating if approved. 

5. How will tinnitus be rated under the new rating system?

The 10% tinnitus rating is going away. Tinnitus will only be rated when it is linked to another ratable condition: 

• With hearing loss: If hearing loss is compensable (10% or more), tinnitus will be considered part of that condition and not rated separately. Instead, the VA will use the standard hearing loss table outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), § 4.85, which categorizes hearing loss severity from mild to profound based on hearing thresholds. Ratings can range from 10% to 100%, with 100% indicating total hearing loss in both ears. 

• With non-compensable hearing loss (0%): You may still qualify for a 10% rating if tinnitus is present and linked to that hearing loss. 

• With conditions like TBI or Meniere’s disease: Tinnitus will be evaluated as a symptom of the underlying condition, not rated separately. 

6. Can I still get compensated for secondary conditions caused by tinnitus?

Yes. Even under the new rules, you may qualify for additional compensation if tinnitus has caused or worsened other conditions. Common secondary conditions include: 

• Sleep disturbances (e.g., insomnia) 

• Anxiety 

• Depression 

• Migraine headaches 

7. Do I need a nexus letter for my tinnitus claim?

That depends. A Nexus Letter is a medical document written by a licensed provider that explains how your current condition is at least as likely as not connected to your military service. For tinnitus claims, especially secondary claims, a strong Nexus Letter can make the difference between approval and denial. Telemedica specializes in providing these essential medical opinions—even though they aren’t required by the VA. 

See also: When Do You Need a Nexus Letter?

8. How do I strengthen my tinnitus claim before the changes take effect?

• Submit an Intent to File (ITF): This locks in your VA effective date so your claim still gets evaluated under the current rules. 

• Get a VA-approved hearing test: This can help establish the presence and severity of hearing loss associated with tinnitus. 

• Document persistent symptoms: Keep track of when you experience ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in your ears. Record related symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, depression, or migraines. 

• Establish Service Connection: Use military service records, medical documentation, and a Nexus Letter, if needed, to show the link between your tinnitus and your service. In some cases, tinnitus may qualify for presumptive service connection. 

• Identify secondary conditions: Tinnitus often leads to secondary conditions like sleep disorders, migraine headaches, or mental health challenges. Including these in your claim may help strengthen your case and improve your overall VA rating. Related: Top 4 Secondary Conditions to Tinnitus

9. When will the new tinnitus rating rule go into effect?

The VA has proposed the rule but hasn’t finalized it and has not indicated when the final regulation could take effect. Many expect this change to take effect sometime in 2025. 

10. How can Telemedica help veterans affected by this change?

Telemedica offers expert medical evidence to help you build strong VA claims, including: 

• Nexus Letters for primary and secondary conditions 

• Mental health evaluations

• Thorough medical reviews linking your condition to military service 

Whether you’re filing a new claim, submitting for a secondary condition, or appealing a denial, Telemedica is here to support you with the medical evidence you need to win. 

Conclusion

The VA’s proposed changes to tinnitus ratings are significant—and they’re coming soon. While current beneficiaries are protected, future claimants may face more hurdles. Don’t wait. File now, gather strong medical evidence, and get expert support. 

Get the Medical Evidence You Need to Strengthen Your Claim—Fast. 

Telemedica provides relevant medical evidence that can help you prove service connection and win your claim. Building a strong claim and service connecting your tinnitus before these changes take effect can go a long way towards increasing your combined VA disability rating. This can be especially true if you have (or later develop) secondary conditions to your tinnitus.  

Medical Evidence Wins VA Claims

Medical evidence is a crucial piece of the puzzle that VA raters consider when reviewing a disability claim. Telemedica provides solutions for veterans looking to bolster their claims through high-quality medical evidence that wins claims.  

Schedule your FREE 20-minute consultation and learn how to get the supporting medical evidence you need to strengthen your claim.