Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is extremely common in veterans and is generally rated at a single 10% level. Claims often succeed on credible lay statements of in-service noise exposure and continuity of symptoms.
Across 9,738 real Board appeals for Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
66% were granted, partly granted, or remanded.
A denial is often not the end — remands are sent back for more development and frequently end in a grant.
- Granted 24%
- Partly granted 26%
- Remanded 16%
- Denied 26%
What tends to win
Among the appeals that were granted or partly granted, the most common ways Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) was linked to service:
- Direct service connection3,951
- Reopened with new & material evidence286
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)190
How it’s rated, in practice
When Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) was granted, the rating most often assigned was:
- 100% (1,896)
- 10% (198)
- 70% (116)
- 30% (64)
- 50% (59)
Presumptive & exposure paths
These appeals involved a recognized exposure — which can mean the link to service is presumed, with no nexus to prove:
- PACT Act86
- Gulf War68
- Agent Orange / herbicides67
- Camp Lejeune water32
- Burn pits & airborne hazards15
Real decisions
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 25, 2022, for the award of service connection for tinnitus and a 100 percent initial rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's tinnitus began during his active duty service and is related to in-service noise exposure.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's condition began during his active duty and has persisted since then.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current condition had its onset during active duty service.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current condition had its initial onset during active service.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for tinnitus, finding the evidence to be in approximate balance as to whether it onset during service.
What you can do next
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.