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Migraines and Tinnitus in Veterans Disability

Migraines and Tinnitus in Veterans Disability

Migraines and tinnitus are conditions that many veterans face, and there is a growing recognition of their interconnection. US Army Veteran and former Compensation & Pension Examiner Leah Bucholz talks about migraines and tinnitus in veterans disability, shedding light on how veterans can establish a service connection for migraines, often secondary to their service-connected tinnitus.

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Understanding Tinnitus in Veterans

Tinnitus is a prevalent condition among veterans, often stemming from acoustic noise trauma experienced during active duty. However, tinnitus is not exclusive to combat roles, as even non-combat personnel can develop it due to varying degrees of noise exposure.

Noise Exposure Chart and Occupational Specialties

There is a noise exposure chart that categorizes noise exposure levels based on occupational specialties. Whether you are an infantryman with intense exposure or an administrative specialist with seemingly lower exposure, tinnitus can affect veterans across the board. The key is to recognize and communicate the nuanced nature of noise exposure when establishing a service connection.

The Complexity of Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

Given her expertise in hearing-related issues, Leah delves into the intricacies of tinnitus and hearing loss. She highlights the fascinating relationship between the two and emphasizes the importance of proper documentation and communication when seeking service connection for these conditions.

Migraines and Tinnitus: An Intriguing Connection

There are various types of headaches veterans may experience. Among these, migraines stand out as a commonly service-connected condition, often associated with tinnitus. Veterans frequently report that their migraines coincide with the onset or exacerbation of tinnitus.

The Vicious Cycle: Tinnitus and Migraines

Veterans may find themselves trapped in a cycle where tinnitus triggers migraines, and vice versa. Veterans is better to articulate this relationship to their healthcare providers, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of their medical history.

Seeking Service Connection: A Collaborative Effort

Veterans are encouraged to actively engage with their healthcare providers in order to seek medical opinions that support their claim for service connection. The importance of aligning one’s personal history with the physiological changes is big, in order to make a compelling case for the relationship between tinnitus and migraines.

Utilizing Migraine Logs for Documentation

For veterans aiming to establish a service connection, maintaining a migraine log can be a valuable tool. There are several easy to use apps that help individuals track the frequency and intensity of migraines. Such documentation can provide concrete evidence of the connection between tinnitus and migraines, aiding in the claims process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, migraines and tinnitus are intertwined conditions that many veterans face, often seeking service connection for migraines secondary to their service-connected tinnitus. Leah Bucholz’s expertise as a Physician Assistant and Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist in hearing-related issues provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between these conditions. Veterans are encouraged to proactively engage with their healthcare providers to build a compelling case for service connection. As awareness grows, it is crucial to recognize and address the unique challenges veterans face in navigating the disability claims process for migraines and tinnitus.

Also read: Agent Orange Exposure and Veterans Disability

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.