Welcome to The Veterans Disability Nexus, where we provide unique insights and expertise on medical evidence related to VA-rated disabilities. Leah Bucholz, a US Army Veteran, Physician Assistant, & former Compensation & Pension Examiner shares her knowledge related to Independent Medical Opinions often referred to as “Nexus Letters” in support of your pursuit of VA Disability every Tuesday & Wednesday at 7AM Central. Take control of your medical evidence related to your benefits and visit https://www.prestigeveteranmctx.com for more information and support.
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episode 112: Insomnia and Tinnitus in Veterans Disability | All you Need to Know
Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses about Insomnia and Tinnitus in Veterans' Disability.
Leah provides an overview of how insomnia and tinnitus are considered in the context of VA disability. She explains that insomnia, defined by the DSM-5, is a mental health condition rated according to the schedule of mental health ratings, with specific diagnostic criteria including dissatisfaction with sleep quality and issues like difficulty in falling or staying asleep. Leah emphasizes the possibility of insomnia being service-connected directly if diagnosed during service or secondarily due to other conditions like tinnitus. She cites several studies highlighting the link between tinnitus and mental health issues in veterans. Finally, Leah briefly discusses the VA's rating system for mental health disorders, which ranges from 0% for mild symptoms to 100% for total occupational and social impairment. She advises veterans to consult legal professionals for claim filing and strategy and suggests discussing these issues with healthcare providers for potential support in claims.