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Anxiety and Tinnitus in Veterans Disability

Anxiety and Tinnitus in Veterans Disability va disability rating for tinnitus

Veterans often face a myriad of challenges, and among them, anxiety and tinnitus can significantly impact their well-being. Leah talks about the connection between anxiety and tinnitus in veterans disability claims. Many veterans are service-connected for anxiety and various mental health conditions, and understanding the relationship between these conditions and their service is crucial for those in pursuit of VA disability.

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Service Connection for Anxiety

Leah Bucholz sheds light on the process of service connection for anxiety. If a veteran was diagnosed with anxiety or any other mental health disorder during active duty and continues to experience it post-service, there is a basis for service connection. While filing a claim does not guarantee approval, continuity of diagnosis from active duty to post-service can provide support for those seeking service connection.

Secondary Basis for Mental Health Disorders

Mental health disorders can also be connected to other service-connected disabilities. This opens the door to exploring the relationship between anxiety and tinnitus as potential coexisting conditions affecting veterans.

Literature Supporting the Connection

To bolster the case for demonstrating this relationship, Leah Bucholz references various studies published in reputable journals. One such study, published in the International Tinnitus Journal in 2013, explains the relationship between perceived severity of tinnitus, depression, anxiety, hearing status, age, and gender. The study concludes that due to the strong association between tinnitus, depression, and anxiety, all tinnitus patients should be screened for psychiatric disorders.

Another study from 2016, titled “Tinnitus Epidemiology: Prevalence, Severity, Exposures, and Treatment Patterns in the United States,” associates tinnitus symptoms with anxiety, depression, shorter sleep duration, and increased workdays missed. These findings underscore the interconnected nature of mental health and tinnitus.

A study on psychological comorbidity in patients with chronic tinnitus, comparing it with chronic pain, asthma, or atopic dermatitis patients, reveals a high rate of psychological disorders in tinnitus cases. Predominantly, patients diagnosed with psychological disorders experienced affective and anxiety disorders.

Lastly, a study from the International Journal of Tinnitus explores the impact of sleep disturbances associated with tinnitus. It found that half of the tinnitus patients studied experienced poor sleep quality. The study concludes that reducing the intensity of tinnitus is crucial for improving sleep quality and, consequently, the patient’s overall quality of life.

Implications for Veterans

Understanding the literature and research surrounding anxiety and tinnitus can be vital for veterans seeking disability benefits. The connection between these conditions can be multifaceted, involving factors such as depression, sleep disturbances, and other psychological comorbidities.

Leah Bucholz offers a word of caution, stating that if other factors contribute to a veteran’s mental health disorder, tinnitus may not necessarily be the culprit. Marital discord, bereavement issues, or substance abuse could also be potential causes. Each case is unique, and a thorough examination of the individual’s circumstances is essential.

Rating Mental Health Disorders

The current mental health ratings range from zero to one hundred percent. A veteran’s rating depends on the severity of their mental health disorder, with zero percent indicating a mild presentation that has minimal impact on daily life and one hundred percent representing total occupational and social impairments among other key elements.

Conclusion

Anxiety and tinnitus are significant challenges for many veterans, and understanding the relationship between these conditions may be crucial for those in pursuit of VA disability. By examining the literature, considering secondary connections to other service-connected disabilities, and understanding the rating scale, veterans and their accredited legal advocates can build a compelling case for service connection and receive the benefits they deserve. It’s essential for veterans to be proactive, informed, and seek professional accredited legal advice to navigate the complexities of the disability claims process.

Also read: GERD and IBS in Veterans Disability Q&A

At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.

Our purpose is to empower YOU, the veteran, to take charge of your medical evidence and provide you with valuable educational tools and research to guide you on your journey.

Understanding the unique challenges veterans face, our commitment lies in delivering exceptional service and support.

Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.

Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting is not a law firm, accredited claims agent, or affiliated with the Veterans Administration or Veterans Services Organizations. However, we are happy to discuss your case with your accredited VA legal professional.

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Danielle McClaskey

Client Relations Specialist U.S. Navy Veteran

In her active-duty service in the United States Navy, Danielle undertook a variety of responsibilities, ranging from essential administrative duties to providing crucial medical care. Her multifaceted contributions played a pivotal role in enhancing her fellow service members’ operational effectiveness and well-being.

As a disabled veteran, she developed a profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by her fellow service members. Now, in her civilian role, Danielle is a valued member of the Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting team, where she continues to leverage her extensive background and educational achievements to provide exceptional support to veterans.

Leticia

LETICIA

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Leticia has been in the medical field for nearly 14 years. She has always had a passion for medicine and caring for her community. Leticia has spent the last 4 years caring for veterans and first responders with alcohol and substance abuse in a medical rehabilitation setting whilst continuing her education working towards a degree in software development.

Someday she hopes to develop medical software that further enhances the patient’s experience in medical care. Leticia has a deep respect and love for those who have served as she comes from a family of law enforcement and military veterans.

Alan Bucholz

ALAN BUCHOLZ, PA-C:

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Alan enlisted in the US Army as a combat medic, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Influenced by his time as a combat medic, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant program while on
active duty, was commissioned as an officer, and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan.  

Alan’s military and medical background inspired him to form Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting with his
wife, Leah Bucholz, a Physician Assistant and Army Combat Veteran.  He has devoted himself to using his
knowledge gained in the military as a medical professional to serve the Veteran community.

Alan Bucholz

ALAN BUCHOLZ, PA-C:

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Alan enlisted in the US Army as a combat medic, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Influenced by his time as a combat medic, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant program while on
active duty, was commissioned as an officer, and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan.  

Alan’s military and medical background inspired him to form Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting with his
wife, Leah Bucholz, a Physician Assistant and Army Combat Veteran.  He has devoted himself to using his
knowledge gained in the military as a medical professional to serve the Veteran community.

Julie Pereira

JULIE PEREIRA:

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

During her Active-Duty time in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, Julie provided medical administration
and patient care services in the field, the hospital, and base medical office settings.  This military medical and
administrative background has given Julie the hands-on experience and extensive knowledge necessary to
provide unparalleled service to her fellow Veterans through the Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting team.

Julie’s educational achievements include a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in Human Services and a pre-nursing associate in arts and science.

Julie has been inspired by her firsthand knowledge of navigating the VA Benefits process. She has dedicated
most of her adult life to serving Veterans through her knowledge derived from her military and civilian medical
education and training.

Jennifer Januta

JENNIFER JANUTA

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

During her Active-Duty service in the Army, Jennifer supported various research efforts centered on combat casualty care and Soldier performance. Her military background gave her unique insights into veterans’ distinct challenges, ultimately inspiring her to join the Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting team.

Jennifer’s educational achievements include a master’s in molecular biology from George Washington University and a master’s in data science from Texas Tech University. Jennifer wholeheartedly dedicates herself to utilizing her knowledge and expertise gained from 15 years of healthcare experience to impact the well-being of those who have served positively.

Alan Bucholz

ALAN BUCHOLZ, PA-C:

U.S ARMY VETERAN, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Alan enlisted in the US Army as a combat medic, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Influenced by his time as a combat medic, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant program while on
active duty, was commissioned as an officer, and subsequently deployed to Afghanistan.  

Alan’s military and medical background inspired him to form Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting with his
wife, Leah Bucholz, a Physician Assistant and Army Combat Veteran.  He has devoted himself to using his
knowledge gained in the military as a medical professional to serve the Veteran community.

Leah - Meet the Team

LEAH BUCHOLZ, PA-C

U.S ARMY VETERAN, MEDICAL EXPERT & FORMER C & P EXAMINER

Meet Leah, the founder, and leader of our organization. ​​A combat veteran herself, she understands the unique challenges veterans face, making her mission about much more than running a successful business. It’s about the opportunity to provide a legacy of exceptional service for our heroes.​

​“It is essential to remember that there is no greater honor than caring for service members on the battlefield. Continuing to care for Veterans after separation is an opportunity that I have been afforded to extend that care in this new battlefield related to service-incurred disabilities.”

Her inspiration comes from years of military experience working alongside her fellow servicemembers, particularly key leaders who have influenced her journey, applying their wisdom to her path. She values her team deeply, most of whom are also disabled combat veterans, each member a trusted individual sharing her vision.

 “Driven by passion and purpose, I aim to create a sustainable change that empowers veterans and future generations.”

Leah’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. From overcoming and living with her service-related disabilities to navigating work-life balance, she’s learned to face each hurdle head-on with resilience.  Like many of her veteran brothers and sisters, her early background consisted of limited resources and opportunities. Her military service has helped shape her into a steadfast leader, offering relatable inspiration to others.

Join us in celebrating Leah, a compassionate leader, and resilient veteran, driving our mission to serve those who served our nation.