Hyperacusis (Sound Sensitivity)

DC 6260Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.87, DC 6260

Abnormal sensitivity to everyday sounds that causes discomfort or pain, even at normal volume levels. Commonly associated with noise exposure, blast injuries, or traumatic brain injury during military service. Often co-occurs with tinnitus. The VA rates hyperacusis by analogy, typically under the tinnitus diagnostic code with a fixed 10% rating.

How the VA rates this condition

This condition has a fixed rating under VA regulations. Unlike most conditions, the rating does not vary based on severity. If the VA grants service connection, the rating percentage is set by regulation.

Diagnostic code

DC 6260

Rating range

10% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.87, DC 6260. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have hyperacusis causing significant sound sensitivity that affects your daily activities. This is the maximum schedular rating for hyperacusis, rated by analogy to tinnitus.

What the VA looks for

Hyperacusis diagnosis by audiologist or ENT specialist
Loudness discomfort level (LDL) testing showing reduced tolerance
Documentation of sound sensitivity impacting daily activities
History of noise exposure or blast injury during service
Treatment records (sound therapy, hearing protection, CBT)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not realizing that hyperacusis is typically rated at a fixed 10% by analogy to tinnitus — if you already receive 10% for tinnitus under DC 6260, a separate hyperacusis rating under the same code may not be possible due to pyramiding rules.
⚠Not obtaining loudness discomfort level (LDL) testing to objectively document reduced sound tolerance — subjective complaints alone may not satisfy the VA.
⚠Not documenting how hyperacusis affects your daily life, work environment, and social interactions — functional impact evidence supports the claim.
⚠Not connecting hyperacusis to a service-connected TBI or noise exposure event with a clear nexus opinion.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Ear Conditions (including Tinnitus)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Hyperacusis (Sound Sensitivity)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6260

Rating range

10% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have hyperacusis causing significant sound sensitivity that affects your daily activities. This is the maximum schedular rating for hyperacusis, rated by analogy to tinnitus.

What the VA looks for

Hyperacusis diagnosis by audiologist or ENT specialist
Loudness discomfort level (LDL) testing showing reduced tolerance
Documentation of sound sensitivity impacting daily activities
History of noise exposure or blast injury during service
Treatment records (sound therapy, hearing protection, CBT)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not realizing that hyperacusis is typically rated at a fixed 10% by analogy to tinnitus — if you already receive 10% for tinnitus under DC 6260, a separate hyperacusis rating under the same code may not be possible due to pyramiding rules.

⚠Not obtaining loudness discomfort level (LDL) testing to objectively document reduced sound tolerance — subjective complaints alone may not satisfy the VA.

⚠Not documenting how hyperacusis affects your daily life, work environment, and social interactions — functional impact evidence supports the claim.

⚠Not connecting hyperacusis to a service-connected TBI or noise exposure event with a clear nexus opinion.