Recurrent tinnitus (constant or near-constant ringing/buzzing/hissing in one or both ears). 10% is the MAXIMUM scheduler rating regardless of severity. Bilateral tinnitus is still 10%, not 20%.
Lay statement: describe when the tinnitus started, what triggered it (specific incidents like firing range, IED, etc.)
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) is often sufficient evidence — VA uses a "duty MOS noise probability" matrix to grant tinnitus presumptively for high-noise MOSs
Common filing mistakes
Not filing a tinnitus claim because "it's only 10%" — tinnitus is the easiest VA disability to win and contributes to your combined rating
Failing to file BOTH tinnitus AND hearing loss as separate claims (they get separate ratings)
Not claiming secondary conditions: tinnitus often causes/worsens insomnia, depression, anxiety — file those too
How to file
File VA Form 21-526EZ with the diagnosis evidence above. A free CVSO will assemble your claim and file it on your behalf at no cost.
In crisis? Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 confidential, federally-operated. Vet Centers offer free counseling for combat veterans and MST survivors.
VA disability rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). Criteria are subject to revision; always verify current rules at va.gov/disability/ before filing. This page is informational and is not a substitute for personalized advice from a CVSO, VSO representative, or VA-accredited attorney. Free claim help available from CVSOs and VSOs in every U.S. county.