DC 6260§ 4.87
Tinnitus, recurrentThe schedule provides a single evaluation for recurrent tinnitus, subject to the regulatory notes.
Official criteriaAll conditionsHearing and sensory
Tinnitus
Recurrent perception of sound, such as ringing or buzzing, without an external source.
Regulatory summaries checked against eCFR current through July 9, 2026 · condition-library-2026.07.09 · record bcd3724143b2
Overview
Tinnitus preparation usually focuses on a current report or diagnosis, when it began, relevant noise exposure or other events, and consistency of the history.
What VA measures
Recurrent tinnitus is addressed under diagnostic code 6260. The schedule provides a single evaluation whether perceived in one ear, both ears, or in the head; other separately diagnosed complications may be evaluated under their own criteria.
Whether tinnitus is recurrent
Clinical and lay history
Potential relationship to another condition or event
Separately diagnosed associated conditions
Evidence that may be useful
- Audiology or medical evaluation
- Service role and noise-exposure history
- Hearing protection history
- Personal statement describing onset and continuity
- Statements from people told about symptoms near the time they began
Helpful documentation habits
- Describe the sound, pattern, and approximate onset
- List specific service noise sources and duration
- Explain whether symptoms are constant or intermittent
- Keep tinnitus and hearing-loss evidence distinct
Common preparation gaps
- Assuming tinnitus and hearing loss are the same condition
- Listing a noisy MOS without describing actual exposure
- Giving conflicting onset dates without explaining uncertainty
Diagnostic-code map
A diagnosis or body part can involve more than one code. The applicable code depends on the medical findings and manifestations in the record.