Insomnia VA Disability Ratings and Secondary Conditions

[@fullyotto31]

I've suffered from sleep issues for yrs. I went to the VA shortly after my eas because I couldn't sleep more than 4 hrs at a time. They gave me Trazadone, which didn't help at all. I still could only sleep for a few hrs and would wake up feeling hungover for a day or so. I gave up on the VA and just dealt with it for yrs. Recently, I went back to the VA for the same issue. They set me up with an in home sleep study. Over 3 days of recording, I was only able to give them 5hrs of record time. I returned to my doctor to talk about insomnia. He told me that insomnia is when you don't sleep at all and that only sleeps a few hrs at a time is part of life, and he also only sleeps for a few hrs at a time. He gave me more meds and told me I would probably have the same problem I had with the trazadone. Currently, I cycle on melatonin and Tylenol pm to get at least 4 to 5 hours of sleep a day. What should I do next. Currently, I'm rated at 70% for tinnitus, left & right knee strain, & somatic symptom disorder. My somatic symptom disorder is secondary for my knee pain.

[@jorgerios2885]

The Va prescribed quetiapine fumarate for sleeping and it does make me sleep. Otherwise I'd be awakening to 2 to 4 times a night! Maybe ask your primary doctor if it's good for you

[@ianpatrick23]

Very helpful information. Thank you so much for talking through insomnia and VA claims in detail

[@chrissample3047]

Just went insomnia c n p exam irak vet 10 years sleep come goes

[@Hartcore11]

My sleep study had my REM at 93 minutes. Once I was awake for 6 days straight. fell asleep for two hours and then was awake for 4 more days. I went to a hospital and they put me to sleep for 12 hours.

[@rudolphblanding5751]

Insomnia can also be related to pain. Pain from back conditions pain from radiculopathy pain from tinnitus ringing in the ears there are a lot of things that can cause pain that will have an effect on your ability to sleep

[@jaybeauvais4311]

I need a claims agent, my VSO was like working with a DMV employee

[@mrqh406]

Yeppers...lol

[@zachjohnson992]

Mine is as well.

[@montee8817]

I was young and dumb. I have it notated in my records that I have trouble staying asleep due to my chronic back pain and that I'm fatigued. Now I'm on pills and it's notated in my primary records. About to file this claim secondary now

[@tommarinevet]

Thanks good info on insomnia

[@lg7728]

Outstanding video!

[@nava8529]

Thank you for making this videos

[@COYO-T]

My insomnia is different then others. I have gone 4 days without being able to sleep cause of stress yet I am not tired during the day but when it wears off I crash hard. Most times it's a day without sleep.

[@boodrow24m]

Time for an updated video

[@georgemaxwell3467]

Can insomnia be secondary to migraines??

[@johns2590]

I have had a back condition since 2007 & another finally another back condition granted in 2016 along with Tinnitus and some other conditions, total overall 60% rating. I have chronic insomnia diagnosed, should I pursue insomnia as a secondary to my back pain or Tinnitus? Does one have a better chance than the other of getting approved/granted?

[@DrMK-sy3wq]

Did u get an answer ?

[@jaimiegonzalez67]

Can I claim insomnia when I have sleep apnea and a mental health issue as well? Or is there pyramiding?

[@timdennis3035]

I was in an airplane that crashed onboard the USS Saratoga back in the 80’s. I have been diagnosed with PTSD, depression, anxiety and memory loss. Recently been diagnosed with insomnia but never complained about it in the military. If insomnia can be a secondary to PTSD, can fatigue be a secondary to the insomnia ? The other claims were all denied from the crash such as spine, rotator cuff, and constant pain all because I never complained. I have not worked for the past 10 years

[@gregavery327]

I have been requesting help for insomnia for about 15 years with V A now . I have been diagnosed with psychtic disorder nos , major depression , bipolar disorder. I had a hearing Feb 17th 2021. My VA doctor did a nexus form . I am just waiting.

[@royalonyx2919]

I realize Im kinda off topic but does anyone know a good place to watch new movies online?

[@bodhiderrick3515]

@Royal Onyx Flixportal :P

[@royalonyx2919]

@Bodhi Derrick thanks, I went there and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :) Appreciate it !

[@bodhiderrick3515]

@Royal Onyx happy to help =)

[@niinarku5696]

Wow you are lucky the doctor did a Nexus for you.

[@Mr.DJones]

Thank you very much.

[@1knighking]

Can insomnia be secondary to tinnitus if you dont have a mental health rating

[@CCK_Law]

Hello! Tinnitus is one of the most commonly claims conditions by veterans, and it can lead those affected to develop secondary conditions such as sleep disorders (such as insomnia and sleep apnea), anxiety, and migraines. Check out our blog on secondary conditions to tinnitus for VA disability benefits here: cck-law.com/blog/secondary-conditions-to-tinnitus-va-disability/ If you need assistance with your VA claim appeal, give us a call at [phone] for a free case evaluation. Have a great day!

[@madtodder1969]

It seems that what you're saying is if you have a rating for ptsd that a claim for insomnia would be considered pyramiding without any other causation. Is that correct?

[@wecountingmoneyoverhere2517]

No. Watch again

[@kinzieconrad105]

Yes chronic pain in my back, my sleep sucks and yes service connected with the back injury. So I can connect the insomnia with my back problems? 😳😳😳😳😳 we need to talk I am definitely ready to file an appeal and new claim.

[@cesargonzales7234]

I just filed for insomnia. I listed it as a secondary to my back.

[@jeremyslade4178]

Yes I have Anxiety and Insomnia which they will rate as a Mental health so you do not pyramid and that was due to my chronic back problems 40 % . You both should be good to go

[@cesargonzales7234]

@@jeremyslade4178 what did you get rated for your insomnia and anxiety?

[@bmr0289]

@@cesargonzales7234 did your claim go through?

[@cesargonzales7234]

@@bmr0289 still waiting to hear bAck. 11 months pending

[@shoto7276]

How do you get the c&p exam notes? QTC says they cannot give that to me.

[@wecountingmoneyoverhere2517]

Go through your VSO, if u have one.

[@douglasbrady6886]

You have a right to get them! Get help from VSO.

[@Slow_Hand_Luke]

. Just looked into this. Call the VA general “800” # and ask. They told me you have to file a FOIA Request to get any C&P Exam results ! (They can snail-mail the form(s) to you) On top of that time it takes to get it or them seems Highly Variable. .

[@MS-fh4sz]

You have to go through your regular VA doctor. QTC should have told you that. But alas just like most VA hospital staff. Apparently, your's was completely worthless. Call your doctor to make an appointment separate from your yearly physical and tell him. You think you have sleep apnea. He will either give you a form to fill out or ask you questions at the appointment. To diagnose you, if you answer it correctly. He will set you up an appointment with a VA sleep study clinic or with the choice program system it will be your choice. They will call you usually within a week or so. And you will get an official appointment for a sleep study. If you fail the sleep study, the VA should order you a Cpap machine. But if you are under 50% disabled. You might have to make a copay or by it out of pocket if you don't have good health insurance. That's the gist of it.

[@pullins6814]

@@Slow_Hand_Luke I sent in a FOIA June of this year. I got notice today (Dec 5th) that the information I requested was in the mail.

[@Yosoyreina222]

I have 80 percent but I’m going back for my shoulder pain & now it’s causing insomnia as well. Can I apply for tdiu and try to increase my rating at the same time

[@Johnny-pp3pq]

Yes you can file a TDIU claim.If you don't mind me asking what are you rated 80% for? Reason why is because when you file IU this means your condition has gotten so bad that you can't sustain gainful employment.The most you can make as an employee receiving IU benefits is 12,000 a year.I can help you with this claim if you need a consultation.

[@belindajohnson5079]

I have 70% for Ptsd but recently put in claim for insomnia making my ptsd worse can this make my rating go up

[@moephillsjr]

Yes

[@rudolphblanding5751]

Division affairs always try to relate insomnia to a mental health condition but they should also consider pain chronic pain as a cause of insomnia

[@rudolphblanding5751]

It should read Veterans Affairs not division affairs

[@hubertashley1712]

Chronic pain was mentioned in the video as a cause for insomnia...constant waking up at night. Not being able to get a good night sleep.

[@teddynall4158]

I have a 40% service connected back sprain rating. I also have sleep apnea AND insomnia. If I connect each of these conditions to the existing rating, will they combine the conditions, or make them separate ratings?

[@clntnwrd]

do separate

[@boskinner9328]

What if you are only 10% you have numerous issues that are secondary to the 10%. My doc has already said I'm unemployable. Can I apply for this or do I have to wait till I get a higher rating. I'm already drawing social security due to my disabilities.

[@recap3972]

It's not impossible to get TUIID It has to go to a higher level review but normally you would have to have a 60% issue or a 40% with others taking you to 70%

[@darrelldogd1799]

Thanks .teal informative

[@inclusion9212]

Is there a difference between anxiety and insomnia as far as filing.

[@recap3972]

If you don't have a dx for anxiety it will get rolled into the Insomnia as a symptoms

[@inclusion9212]

@@recap3972 Thank you

[@decypher-the-cypher974]

I'm 70% disability for anxiety. I also have mild sleep apnea and insomnia always diagnosis. I do not know what to add secondary to anxiety, my sleep study I did wanted me to get a CPAP machine, but it made my anxiety worse and I was throwing it off my face every night. So I didn't know if I could still claim sleep apnea secondary to anxiety

[@wecountingmoneyoverhere2517]

Dam!

[@frostywych9374]

if you are given cpap for sleep apnea and rated for anxiety and you can get a nexus saying its related to your anxiety it dosent matter how much you use the Cpap to get the rating also talk to your sleep apnea provider they may have other options for you, different masks or mouth guards

[@GUNZUPMUSIC]

Question regarding VA primary notes vs diagnosis: When looking thorough my current medical records, insomnia and chronic ptsd are both listed from doctors in Sam Diego and Tampa VA. So, does that mean I am diagnosed with both? Or is that just their notes made for record keeping. What is the difference?

[@roderickstallwoth6680]

I’m 100 % pT can I get smc for insomia

[@derekcasanares4785]

Excellent share

[@culvercitycharlie]

I got rated at 30% for insomnia. 2nd to tinnitus. Now I can “sleep” at night(sometimes haha)

[@boknows3915]

Did you get diagnosed at the c&p or before? I have tinnitus and want to get rated for insomnia

[@culvercitycharlie]

YOU NEED TO GET A IMO/NEXUS letter at lest! Then do a secondary Conection to tinnitus..go thru VA CLAIMS insider, or combat Craig they will get you in the right direction, either way you have to pay for nexus letter..it will cost you$$, but worth the investment! DO IT! C&P did NOT diagnose me,

[@boknows3915]

@@culvercitycharlie thank you🙏, imo- means independent medical opinion? Can that be a diagnosis from my Dr.?

[@boknows3915]

@@culvercitycharlie also, more or less, how much is a nexus letter?

[@briangreene4277]

Can insomnia be secondary to tinnitus or hearing loss

[@joed3264]

Yes it can. I have tinnitus. I get 4 hours sleep every single night. Have been that way for decades.

[@Eggplant-tg4su]

I’m rated at 100% p/t disability for my serious claims are seizures, traumatic vertigo, and PTSD. I’m finding myself having night Paralysis and severe twitching. Recently, the VA sent me to an outsourced hospital with neurologist for a neurological brain scan. The hospital evaluated that my seizures aren’t on-set seizures but a PNES Psychogenic non-epileptic seizure. I asked around and if I’m this diagnosis is related to a stressor such a PTSD, right? I guess what I’m asking is if they reduce my on-set seizure diagnosis, should I put a claim for night Paralysis or don’t worry since I’m p/t 100?

[@wecountingmoneyoverhere2517]

Don't worry about that, you're already 100%. So jus find the best place to get treatment for that newly diagnosed condition.

[@MS-fh4sz]

The VA disability side will not down grade anything unless you make a claim to change it or add to it. You are maxed out!!! REMEMBER THAT!!! Do not file new claims with the VA PERIOD!!! Since you are already 100% permanent. I saw a different video by these people. If you start trying to add more or change stuff after you are a 100% permanent. It might flag something in their system. And trigger new disability examinations to be done by them. And if you say or do the wrong thing. In any of those exams your disability may go down from 100% permanent!!! Just get treated for new stuff do not file new claims!!!!! Just get copies of the new diagnoses. Put it in your home health file. And use it for more potential ammo for when you are ready to file for SSDA benefits or SS benefits. Whichever one file's for when a veteran gets 100% permanent.

[@jagermeister1809]

Don’t poke the bear. You’re 100% P/T only thing that can happen is a lowered rating

[@orvelbaldridge3904]

100 % S.C. / P&T. Shoot for the 160 % and claim Housebound rate, after award of 160%.Then if possible go for the K awards, talk to your qualified Service Officer.

[@Floetryful]

Will a veterans drivers licenses be taken for chronic insomnia or chronic fatigue syndrome?

[@XxStonedImmaculatexX]

I doubt it. The VA diagnosed me with obstructive sleep apnea and advised me not to drive if tired and unable to sleep and my job is 70 miles away. Mornings aren’t too much of an issue, its the noon drive ghat kills me at 3 plus hours in traffic. So advised me not to drive, but theres really no way for them to force me.

[@XxStonedImmaculatexX]

If you end up having an accident and they blame your conditions well, thats a different story. At that point, I would think your license would get revoked. Try to get to 100% T&P and try to take some time off. Thats what I’m trying to do, I’m at 90 now but will likely get to 100 soon and I think its what I need, just to take some time off before I start VR&E next year.

[@wecountingmoneyoverhere2517]

It could be. Remember, safety first. Have someone drive you if necessary. Be smart. You can't get a check if you're dead!

[@arturorobles1989]

Maura I think Im starting to fall in Love!

[@jrfly4307]

Hey Bud ... I know your starting to fall in Love but I fell in Love with her first and now she is starting to fall for me ... Sorry ... You have to find your own "Maura" ... Lol😭 Just kidding bud ... She is a real 💎 for sure my man ... Wow 😍

[@melvinroberts9263]

I find myself not listening to this great information because you 3 are so pretty

[@jamesstewart6079]

Creepy dude

[@lastsocial0305]

@@jamesstewart6079 what's creepy is if you didn't think so

[@BoomBubbleBustRepeat]

Have you considered trying a cold shower?

[@wecountingmoneyoverhere2517]

😁😁😁😁 knock it off, you weiners!

[@teeybannister]

Call the VA immediately you should have a psychiatric evaluation

[@Bakbaki-gg6gh]

I drink myself to sleep for 40 years,tolled VA doctor, asked for sleeping pills, wouldn't give me any

[@Magnetar17]

I drink wine to sleep. Doctors just want to give me meds as if I'm not taking enough of that already. They diagnosed me with anxiety and depression. I do not have a rating for this.

[@wecountingmoneyoverhere2517]

File a claim immediately.

[@AedanBlackheart]

That's dangerous, get help

[@cesargonzales7234]

Were you diagnosed for anxiety and depression by a psychiatrist or your provider at the VA?

[@Magnetar17]

@@cesargonzales7234 the VA.

[@RJthing]

T.Y !!