Tinnitus affects a significant number of veterans, many of whom are service-connected for this condition. Leah will explore the top five secondary conditions related to tinnitus in the context of Veterans Disability. While there might be connections between the veteran disability and other medical issues, individual circumstances can vary. This blog is intended to provide insights into potential secondary conditions to tinnitus and how recognizing and documenting these related conditions can elevate a veteran’s overall disability rating.
Understanding Tinnitus
Tinnitus is characterized by the perception of ringing or other loud noises, in one or both ears without any external sound source. According to the Mayo Clinic, tinnitus affects 15 to 20% of people, with older adults being particularly susceptible. Commonly associated with noise exposure during military service, ear buzzing can result from various factors. Some of these are age-related hearing loss, ear injuries, or circulatory system issues. Ear ringing or buzzing often improves with treatment of the underlying cause or with interventions that reduce noise.
Interestingly, “Ringing in the Ear Syndrome” is the most frequently claimed VA disability. Although the VA rating for tinnitus is 10%, there are five secondary conditions linked to it with a rating of 30% or higher. This way veterans with a service-connected secondary to tinnitus might be eligible for additional VA disability benefits.
Migraines and Tinnitus
Migraines can be triggered by stress, noise, lights, and sounds. According to the American Migraine Foundation, ear ringing is a common disability observed in many migraine patients. Recent studies indicate that almost 50% of tinnitus patients also suffer from migraines. The intensity of the condition often worsens during migraine attacks. Research, such as the article “Maladaptive Neural Synchrony and Tinnitus Origin and Restoration” in Frontiers in Neurology, highlights the bidirectional relationship between headaches and tinnitus, providing a scientific basis for veterans seeking disability benefits.
Strong medical evidence is essential for establishing the connection between migraines and tinnitus in disability claims.
Insomnia and Tinnitus
Insomnia and tinnitus create a worrisome cycle, as revealed in studies like “Insomnia and Tinnitus: A Worrisome Cycle“. A common sleep disorder, insomnia can exacerbate the symptoms of auditory disturbance. Additional research in the Biological Psychology and Sleep Medicine Reviews journals establishes a connection between chronic tinnitus and sleep disturbances. Veterans experiencing insomnia and sleep disorders alongside ear ringing may find support for their disability claims by referencing these studies during medical evaluations.
Anxiety and Depression
Tinnitus patients often suffer from anxiety and depression, as outlined in the article “Tinnitus Patients Suffering from Anxiety and Depression: A Review” from 2017. The International Tinnitus Journal indicates that the added burden of hearing problems can exacerbate mental health conditions. Understanding the neurobiological basis for the overlap between tinnitus symptoms and anxiety/depression is crucial for veterans seeking disability benefits. It is also important to understand how secondary disabilities like anxiety and depression are connected to tinnitus in the context of VA disability claims.
Somatic Symptom Disorder
Somatic Symptom Disorder is another ailment commonly observed in veterans with ear-ringing syndrome. It is a condition where individuals put excessive focus on physical symptoms like pain or fatigue, causing them emotional distress and difficulties in daily life. In this case, if a veteran is intensely focused on the physical symptoms of constant ringing in the ears, it can affect their normal functioning. The relationship between tinnitus and Somatic Symptom Disorder highlights the need for comprehensive assessments when evaluating disability claims.
Veterans face significant challenges in establishing a secondary service connection for somatic symptom disorder related to tinnitus, requiring credible medical opinions and thorough documentation of the severity of symptoms.
Tinnitus as an Intermediate Step
Tinnitus may serve as an intermediate step leading to other medical conditions, such as sleep apnea. A study of 80 military personnel with tinnitus and sleep apnea found that 77% reported higher sleep disturbances compared to average individuals, with issues like morning fatigue, chronic fatigue, and disruptive wakeups.
While there might not be a direct causative link between ear ringing and conditions like sleep apnea, the development of mental health issues could contribute to subsequent health problems. Veterans navigating the disability claims process should consider presenting tinnitus as a potential intermediate factor in the development of associated conditions. It is crucial to meet specific evidentiary criteria, including medical records and expert medical opinions, to establish service connections for these conditions related to military service.
Establishing a Service Connection for Secondary Conditions
A secondary service connection arises from an existing service-connected condition, like auditory disturbance leading to migraine headaches. To establish service connection for secondary conditions related to tinnitus, veterans submit VA Form 21-526 and provide specific evidence to prove the link. The VA provides simple instructions to submit forms, however, veterans who need assistance should seek guidance from accredited legal representatives like attorneys, claims agents, and Veteran Service Officers.
- Medical Diagnosis: Obtain a diagnosis of the secondary condition (e.g., migraines, anxiety, depression) from medical records, VA medical evaluations, or private healthcare providers.
- Current Service-Connected Primary Disability: Veterans seeking compensation must demonstrate that an existing condition is linked to a military event, injury, or illness. Show your current service-connected VA rating for tinnitus, which can be 0 percent or higher. This is documented in VA rating decisions or service medical records.
- Medical Nexus: Provide a credible medical Nexus letter (Independent Medical Opinion) from a qualified medical professional that establishes a direct link between the service-connected tinnitus and the secondary condition. This letter should offer a detailed explanation of how the primary disability has caused or aggravated the secondary condition. It is important to note that while nexus letters can be helpful, they are never required. The VA will provide a medical opinion at the Veterans Compensation and Pension Examination when requested.
Gathering additional evidence, including medical records, expert medical opinions, service personnel records, and buddy statements, is crucial. These components may strengthen the claim and enhance the chances of veterans securing VA disability compensation for secondary conditions related to tinnitus.
Conclusion
In summary, veterans may experience various secondary conditions related to tinnitus that warrant consideration in disability claims. Migraines, insomnia, anxiety, depression, Somatic Symptom Disorder, and tinnitus as an intermediate step all contribute to the complexity of veterans’ health profiles.
When pursuing disability benefits, veterans must present relevant medical literature and evidence. Strong medical evidence is essential for establishing a service connection and supporting disability claims related to secondary conditions from tinnitus. It will be easier to support the connections between tinnitus and these secondary conditions during medical evaluations. Each case is unique, and understanding the multifaceted nature of these relationships is essential for a thorough and effective claims process.
Also read: Obstructive Sleep Apnea & Gastroesophageal Reflux in 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.
