JUST IN: Insomnia VA Disability Rating CHANGED For 2024

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VA just made major changes to how they rate insomnia claims in 2024. In this video, I break down exactly what changed and how veterans can still get insomnia service connected as its own primary condition, despite the new rules.
The key is using the right language in your nexus letter. I go through my top level Nexus Letter template package word-by-word to show you exactly what to say to prove insomnia is directly related to service, even if you have other conditions. If worded properly, you can rule out other causes and establish insomnia as a standalone condition eligible for direct service connection.
Don't let these VA changes stop you from getting the insomnia rating you deserve. Watch this video to learn how to build a winning claim with an airtight nexus letter.
#vadisability

[@SoyCyberX]

Me watching this at 4am because I cant sleep 🙃. Thank you for the information 🙏🏽

[@MrWallacecul]

I have insomnia as my primary mental health condition at 30%, while they denied my NONE combat PTSD, Mood Disorder, depression and anxiety were all denied! Still don't understand how they did that! I do have current claim filed to increase my mental health rating

[@user-tq7ks2xu1c]

Well I have back problems, tinnitus, sleep apnea, bilateral ridicuopathy in both legs, insomnia all connected just waiting for my new rating

[@DaRealSonic]

Did you connect insomnia to your back bro?

[@OCHOCINCO98]

any update on how it went? or are you still waiting to hear from the VA?

[@user-tq7ks2xu1c]

Hey guys I'm 100% P&T now got the rating early April everything that was stated is in my rating

[@JohnB-dr8sk]

This change says that someone with a severe service injury that keeps them up at night from pain can no longer claim Insomnia from that. That is so evil and bonkers it's off the charts!

[@OCHOCINCO98]

thats the VA for you

[@jameshisself9324]

No I think it is the opposite. The point here is that the insomnia itself can be (but doesn't necessarily have to be) elevated to a primary condition instead of secondary. As a primary that might be better for a veteran's situation or not, and if not it can stay as a secondary if they already have that and that is better for their situation.

[@JohnB-dr8sk]

​@@jameshisself9324 I wish it were as you say it was, but it says clearly that it must be a direct service-connection, and that secondary connection is no longer allowed. Regards, John

[@jameshisself9324]

@@JohnB-dr8sk OK, I'm going from what I saw in this video. I'll read the text then, thanks.

[@FMD023]

I have insomnia and it’s linked to My ptsd and anxiety disorder

[@edwinreyes8779]

Was your insomnia approved if so whats the percent? I am sc for PTSD at 70 % and wondering how i can also file for insomnia ty

[@ProfPressure]

1st video that pops up as i wake up and cant go back to sleep................Thanks Recruiting duty

[@philippinefandango2859]

My c&p exam, and what I am waiting for is insomnia, and mental health as a result of my sc deviated septum. We pretty much covered everything you talked about here. I did think the exam was a little short. My nexus exam was more thorough I thought.. Your video here gives me more confidence in the 70% rating..

[@adamalker71]

I'm so happy I made productive decisions about my finances that changed my life forever,hoping to retire next year.. Investment should always be on any creative man's heart for success in life

[@KamranKhalil-br6dk]

You're right, with my current crpyto portfolio made from my investments with my personal financial advisor Stacey Macken , I totally agree with you

[@FranklyHunt]

YES! that's exactly her name (Stacey Macken) I watched her interview on CNN News and so many people recommended highly about her and her trading skills, she's an expert and I'm just starting with her....From Brisbane Australia

[@aniniels-hw5iv]

Truly, investing has changed my perspective on how one can succeed in life; working multiple jobs isn't the optimal way to attain financial freedom and unfortunately, we discover this later in life. Currently earn as much as 12 grand weekly and this has improved my financial life

[@raphfelimax2713]

This Woman has really change the life of many people from different countries and am a testimony of her trading platform .

[@waynes4369]

Wow. I'm a bit perplexed seeing her been mentioned here also Didn't know she has been good to so many people too this is wonderful, I'm in my fifth trade with her and it has been super

[@todd274]

Thanks for sharing the update, Jordan. However, the nexus letter does not appear to be congruent with the new criteria that mandate evidence of direct service connection in order for insomnia to be rated individually. From your initial slide of the new rating: "A separate evaluation is not warranted for insomnia that is considered secondary to, or a symptom of, another disability". The template you presented indicates the nexus declares it as secondary to tinnitus (or, neck, knee, back pain, or mental anguish, etc). The rule goes on to state that the absence of a known "etiology" (e.g., a known root cause of insomnia) is acceptable as long as there was in-service evidence of insomnia. I warched the video a few times over and am still confused.

[@smallsouthernlawn6909]

I was thinking the same thing and I have also watched this video multiple times, along with VeteransInfoTap. There definitely seems to be confusion on how to best proceed with Insomnia claims.

[@todd274]

​@smallsouthernlawn6909 Yes. Jason from Info Tap explains the criteria clearly, as did my DAV VSO (I know we can't rely on VSOs entirely for everything, but they are just down the hall from the VBA raters they interact with daily within my regional office and have provided me with more inside information for specific questions like this). Jordan and the VACA team have helped me with two successful claims so far, and have put out great content so I just wanted to ensure this video about the insomnia nexus letter needs to be updated since it would not pass muster under the updated criteria (FYI - my VSO officer also subscribes to this and other Vet channels like Combat Craig, Dwayne Kimball, Vet Night ops, Info Tap, CivDiv,, the evil VA Claims Insider, and others, which he admits has helped him assist other Vers, so it's a good platform for information exchange, even though it is self-evident these folks are running a business).

[@CharlesSoldier]

I have tinnitus, ptsd and horrible insomnia.

[@kinglogic2091]

I'm going to try something like that! I have a tinnitus rating but was denied for severe obstruction sleep apnea! But with out my CPAP, I'm definitely a hard case of insomnia ( can only sleep about an hour )

[@onlyhuman3767]

“Heads up everyone” what your reading is not what happening on the streets a lot vets secondary condition are being erased.

[@timmiller745]

Government trying to save money

[@biggumstevens1784]

@@timmiller745 by taking from vets, the men that served their agendas, and giving to nations so that they get kickbacks.

[@AMJ1S18]

Bummer. Was just about to start this claim process to my service connected tinnitus. Gotta start over and completely restrategize.

[@jgood4010]

Same here

[@jahh8088]

Same same

[@flynt1977]

I only claimed primary insomnia. My C&P examiner said it is caused as a symptom of ptsd. He said the va no longer excepts insomia as service connected. I filed in December and my private doc already diagnosed me with primary insomnia as it states on the dbq. Not sure where i stand on this. I never claimed ptsd

[@Christopher-lp7yy]

Not sure if the C&P diagnosed PTSD from an event in military service. If it were me, I'd file the claim on PTSD, with insomnia secondary. Include a copy of the insomnia C&P exam and the private doctor's report with the claim.

[@flynt1977]

@@Christopher-lp7yy How would I obtain the C&P findings? Thank you for the advice.

[@boodrow24m]

Just filed my insomnia claim as a primary condition based on in service medical records. I had sleep problems mentioned in medical records a year before going to mental health and being diagnosed with primary insomnia. It was a good thing I copied all my records before I left, because the mental health records never got transferred. We'll see what happens...

[@Stellar_AI_History]

If someone has anxiety already, can you go this route for insomnia and have it as it's own separate rating? Like it's not lumped into the mental health category anymore? For example, someone can get 70% anxiety and 70% insomnia?

[@wkwmobile]

Hi Jordan, Thanks for the invaluable information you provide on a regular basis. We vets do greatly appreciate all you do. I had a question. I previous filed for PTSD due to MST back in October 2023. That claims was denied. During the C&P exam the examiner asked about my sleep pattern. I advised him that I only manage to get maybe 4-hours of sleep and that it was mainly due to my extreme tinnitus. I am already rated for tinnitus and migraines totaling 60%. The examiner noted insomnia in his evaluation but claimed it was due to my extended work hours at sea and on sure/recruiting duties. I have no idea why he rated me for insomnia in the first place, let alone the bazar reason he gave. the question is how to a refute the reasoning for the insomnia given by the examiner, and would an actual filing for insomnia be required since it was already negatively adjudicated on prior to the recent changes, and most importantly would I be risking a reduction in my current rate if I need to link insomnia to my tinnitus or migraines?

[@edwinreyes8779]

I am SC for 10% tinnitus 10% left Ankle 10% Asthma under TERA and 70% PTSD. What are some high value secondary claims i can submit and claim for under these SC claims? Any advice helps ty!!!!!

[@rickbensemon7742]

Way back in 1966 I had a fracture of my right fibula which is rated 0% service connected. From 1980 to 1994 (retired Active Duty) I ran long distances (3-6 miles 4 times weekly) on hard surfaces (usually flight lines. There's no doubt I have Degenerative Disk Disease as I have 2 back surgeries fusing L-3 L4 L5 with laminectomies. I have an appointment w my back surgeon next month. Should I request him to provide a Diagnosis (no issue) with a statement saying it's more likely than not that running long distance on hard surfaces while on active duty aggravated the Fibula fracture causing DDD.? I have evidence of running at all assignments (1980 - 1994) including visits to the Dr for lower back pain (muscular) and twice for sprained ankles. One even says while running with a friend. I have an award from Officer Training School for running in the top 10% (miles) of my class. If awarded a DDD claim, then there's secondary ridiculopathy (spelling?) leg pain claim caused by spinal stenosis. Need to know if worth pursuing? Thanks

[@CharlesBoykins-op8cf]

Yes, it is worth pursuing. I have the same conditions and I am rated at 100%

[@rickbensemon7742]

@@CharlesBoykins-op8cf Thank you for your reply. I am very upset with VACI (made the mistake of joining as an Elite member). They blew me off with the same request. I plan on filing on my own

[@gottieification]

So, I’m going in to be rated for contaminated water at WURTSMITH AFB, Michigan. The expansion of the pact act allows for Va disability rating for contaminated ground drinking water. The levels in our drinking water were way higher than camp lejuine. Benzene, high levels are show to cause thyroid, pituitary tumors, arthritis, dermatitis. All of which I have been treated for at the Va since 2007. I have been pulling scientific evidence to file with my claim Any thoughts

[@jasonf1551]

Curious what this means for veterans that have a pending claim for insomnia. May work out in my favor as I was ignorant when I filed and did not file my insomnia as a secondary to tinnitus but as a primary condition. Still pending decision by VA raters, so in other words just waiting for them to deny it officially even with the plethora of medical evidence and STR visits I provided complaining of insomnia while in service.

[@mikemaricle9941]

Same

[@carlosroque3382]

Hi I have my claim for insomnia in Nov 2023 with anxiety take 5 pills for sleep I have 3 nexus my private Dr C&P exams in Dec 2023 I still haven’t have a answer what you think I go with the old rules

[@afvet1946]

I have the same question i submit in december 2023 but my intent to file started on Jan 2023. I got the c&p but im still waiting for other c&p exams. I want to know if they are going to use the old criteria?

[@thomasburnspa]

That nexus, does not reference Title 38, the M21, or any case law. Very important to point a rather to things they can hang their hat on. Make it easy for them.

[@David-kd4fq]

Dude I just got 70% for my INSOMNIA last week due to TERA. My claim was for secondary insomnia due to my tinnitus but it came back Insomnia due to TERA. I was like WOW 70%. I had no NEXUS LETTER, all I had was my medical records from the VA and the medication I take and my deployment to the Gulf War. Basically you don’t need to waste money on a nexus letter just has long has you have medical evidence like I did

[@vaclaimsacademy]

Great work!

[@user-wk8pc2zo1q]

Great news! When did you submit your claim? I submitted mine in March 2024 for Insomnia secondary to back pain due to a T12 compression fracture while doing Airborne operations(have 50% for back pain already).

[@David-kd4fq]

@@user-wk8pc2zo1q I submitted my in March 1st got approved in July 1st

[@dougmcdowell121]

I had a 10% rating for tinnitus. Oct 23 I filed a claim for insomnia and was give a 30% rating in Jan. Was still waiting on a few other things and March 24 I got a rating of 80% but the took away my insomnia rating of 30% and it was combined with Tinnitus. Its now 10% Tinnitus with insomnia. Still service connected. My letter said the VA made a clear and unmistakable error and that is why it was taken away. Have you seen that happen.

[@JohnB-dr8sk]

What???? So they gave you 30% and then knocked you back down to 10%??

[@afvet1946]

Wow

[@ryanhill9707]

Similar happened to me. I was approved for insomnia secondary to tinnitus. The decision letter said that insomnia is a symptom of something I am already being paid for, so there would be no change in compensation.

[@ryanhill9707]

Follow up… I was rated at 10% Insomnia secondary to tinnitus (10%) and no change in disability payment. VA math says: 10%+10%= 10%

[@Tommypollock]

@@ryanhill9707does insomnia get diagnosed with a regular doctor, or a mental health doctor?

[@TheATXpatriot]

Bottom line from someone who has actually rated disability claims for 13 years. If you want to get service connected for "insomnia" you NEED a DSM-5 diagnosis of PRIMARY INSOMNIA, not insomnia disorder or some other form of insomnia thereof. Otherwise, the raters are treating insomnia as a symptom under mental health (chronic sleep impairment). Also probably not good form to show a copy of the template Nexus letter for someone at the VA to see. It's one thing for the VA to think/assume the IMO's are templates, but to actually show a copy of the template. No Bueno!!! And if you want to have an effective IMO/Nexus letter, you are going to want to support that IMO with a strongly supported rationale citing various studies, peer reviews, etc. not just "in my professional opinion." The VA knows they are getting worked and a lot of times they will either let shit slide or because the production standards are so high for VA Raters right now, they just aren't pushing back and hope the claim they are rating isn't being pulled by Quality Review. There's a right way to go about it and a wrong way to go about it. This isn't the right way.

[@user-ym9wb2mk5e]

The CFR and M21 info is on the VA website. Since most VSOs and Vets have had to learn about what the VA is wanting to see , EXACT verbiage in the supporting documentation and DBQ, then this is what we have to do otherwise you deny the claim. Do you raters actually think a DR is going to put his license on the line for some vet? So what do you expect us to do? Do you speak up at the Va to your superiors and complain that you, when sending us to a stupid Nurse Practitioner (C&P exam). They have zero medical history with us as a patient and doesn’t have any actual knowledge or practicing experience in the claim topic. Most don’t even take the time to read the DBQ in depth. They then have the power to over ride an actual board certified DOCTOR when we submit a DBQ!?!? That’s the definition of stupid, frustrating, and actually unprofessional. This is a common thing at C&P exams; so what do you expect us to do out here? Also, there’s regulations/laws that state YOU have to use our Docs DBQ (fully qualified of course), yet how many of you throw them out and overlook them? It’s common knowledge most of you do. Are you a vet who’s had to deal with this process, personally, as a vet trying to get help?

[@TheATXpatriot]

@@user-ym9wb2mk5e I understand your frustration. Been there, done that!!! The VA system is 100% broken. Having to go to exams and saying key words like “prostrating” at a headache exam 15 times so the C&P examiner will check off prostrating headaches as opposed to non-prostrating headaches which you can all the exact same symptoms but one is a 50% rating while the other is a 0% rating. That’s just one example. Complaining to superiors at the VA will do nothing but just put the spotlight squarely on your back. Look at what has happened to past VA whistleblowers. I fully understand it’s a game of cat and mouse. There is a smart way to go about things and a not so smart way to go about things. Look at VACI and why they’ve been spotlighted lately. You want to stay under the radar. Showing nexus letter templates for one and all to see isn’t good for business when you don’t know who all may have eyeballs on your videos? You don’t think there are suck asses in the VA who won’t send videos like this up the chain to curry favor? All I’m saying is do better and read in between the lines on certain things.

[@Franklin-j2024]

Notes: Please explain this? DSM-5 revised the diagnostic terminology from “primary insomnia” to “insomnia disorder.” In both the current and prior versions of DSM, the diagnostic criteria includes ruling out all other potential causes. Accordingly, a valid diagnosis of insomnia disorder meeting DSM-5 criteria means that the insomnia condition is not caused by (or secondary to) any other condition. When evaluating insomnia disorder, rate analogously under an appropriate DC in 38 CFR 4.130.

[@TheATXpatriot]

@@Franklin-j2024 If you looked at the bullet points from the video, one of those bullet points listed “primary insomnia” so if you have that as a diagnosis then you are in a better position to be considered a standalone. Also consider there is an ICD 10 CM Diagnostic Code for Primary Insomnia which is F51.01. So you can be covered both ways.

[@Franklin-j2024]

@@TheATXpatriot I see I was diagnosed with primary insomnia in 2006 a year before I retired. Because I have a MH rating they did not give me insomnia. Is this still the case? Pyrimiding?

[@74D50]

Please help me understand. I am rated for 70% for insomnia. Will I be Grandfathered in ?.....Will I be affected if I file for another claim ?....Please help me and others in my shoes. You are not articulating what is really going on.

[@sprsheezy]

You won’t be grandfathered in, they reduced mine and I’ve had the claim for years

[@timmiller745]

Another great video from you.

[@JRE-wk6bg]

I’m new to this, I just got a 30% rating for 3 different things to include insomnia. Do I have to worry about my rating for this being changed in the future? Just got my rating last week.

[@Ballerboithaone1]

Jordan if we received our Nexus and personal statements from you before this news dropped are they still accurate or do we need to make changes? You wrote mine for insomnia secondary to my lower back pain. Please let me know I’m almost at the stage of filing for the secondary.

[@YHWHWILLBEDONE]

Well time to restratigize. I was about to file for insomnia and anxiety as a secondary to Tinnitus which I've had for 20 years. Should I still file them both as a secondary claim?

[@JoeLLHern]

So, does this change affect those who initiated a claim weeks ago? And, I'm assuming insomnia is still considered a mental condition.

[@jefferybuchan4235]

Where can we find an example of the wording, take to our local outside the VA PCP mine is willing to write nexus letters but has little to no experience, in fact the VA just denied my Migraine claim that she wrote a nexus for. I am going to go for a higher level review on that,. The C&P examiner company never even spoke to me, just sent me a letter saying the evidence I submitted and her nexus letter was all that was needed for her to do the C&P exam without contacting me.

[@LuisNegrete-hj4hq]

Going into c&p tomorrow for sleep disturbances 2nd to left shoudler condition for an increase. (Been service connected for 2 years) will this take it away? I did have complaints during/ post deployment documented.

[@ShelLeader]

How do I subscribe to this? You tube is noyt showing a subscribe link.

[@armytruth6860]

Good things my insomnia is at 70%

[@boltononabudget7423]

Mine is at 50%. I hope this change doesn’t cause them to review and try to reduce

[@RobertJohnson-je6tx]

Can sleep insomnia be secondary to depression? I have depression as a service related condition @ 50%. If possible I would like to get an increase.

[@MonkaSideEye]

Question VA Academy and any on lookers, so if I have a in-service diagnosis of Insomnia this does not affect me, correct? I just want to clarify I understand this correctly because I have done a sleep study and they have diagnosed me with insomnia (whilst AD)

[@danwatkins5]

I applied last year 2023 for VA disability and just last week I was awarded 10% service connection for tinnitus but my separate claim for insomnia was denied? What should I do? Do I need the nexus letter shown in the video? Or just resubmit a claim for insomnia as secondary to tinnitus without a nexus letter? Can my current VA provider diagnose me with primary insomnia and then complete the nexus letter linking it as a secondary issue to my service connected tinnitus?

[@David-kd4fq]

Just file a claim a separately for Insomnia. I did the same thing, I filed a claim for my insomnia due to my service connected tinnitus so when I went to my C&P exam it was for a mental health evaluation on how my insomnia affects me. It had nothing to do with tinnitus giving me insomnia. When my results came back I got approved 70% for my Insomnia due to TERA ( toxic risks exposure activity) which means exposed to occupational or environmental hazards which are toxic substances, air pollutants, radiation, burn pits, depleted uranium, and herbicide chemicals. So I guess you can say when filing on your claim INSOMNIA DUE TO TERA that’s if you served in areas such has Kuwait Iraq Afghanistan etc… GOOD LUCK hope this helped

[@johnr2777]

PTSD with insomnia disorder

[@alexisdiaz6758]

VA is trying to change and take away all the most common dissabilities that Veterams are claiming the most.

[@SaintPewPew]

I claimed insomnia secondary to tinnitus last Dec. Would I be grandfathered in under the old rules?

[@steverose7122]

i filed a secondary insomnia claim linked to tinnitus. i had my c&p exam in january of 2024 do you think i'm still good with this claim..thanks

[@RoroYaKnow]

You good

[@steverose7122]

thank you@@RoroYaKnow

[@jasonf1551]

not sure I'd say you're "good" as you asked. Looking above there is another veteran who had an ITF in 2023 and claim submitted before these changes, yet they were denied. Everyone's case is different....

[@DrewFresh]

Is it OK to claim my insomnia as as secondary condition to multiple service connected disabilities? For example, tinnitus, migraines, sleep apnea ? Or is it best to do one of the service connected disabilities? My Dr. could provide a Nexus letter for this as I have seem them for insomnia as well.

[@vaclaimsacademy]

I personally like to keep claims lean with minimal complexity. If it were me, I trim the conditions, But if it reflects your true story more, go for it

[@Franklin-j2024]

sound like you have a good game plan, a VSO could properly guide you....Oh wait you may not get the BS rating. I bet your "That" guy who was toolbag, blue falcon, etc.. sooory to me an ass but move on player as to swim as you are clearly doing takes every body function, so I hope you never claimed any extension sort of claims, cause if you did ;)

[@MrBnorris09]

Ok so I was diagnosed with insomnia while in service but and now have a ptsd rating that says also claimed as insomnia. Can I still go back and file for insomnia separately from ptsd?

[@vaclaimsacademy]

I wouldn’t. Better off applying for an increase in PTSD if you feel like your mental rating is lower than it should be

[@jb.8992]

This Ninja wearing an Ascot!

[@thaw8stedd1]

What if you have an ITF from 9/23?

[@markshippy4463]

Is this a mental health rating? or just another symptom you can add?

[@vaclaimsacademy]

Hey Shippy! It can be either one. Lately it’s been rated more as a symptom

[@jwalter81]

Sorry to barge into this convo, but you can’t get rated separately for both mental health conditions and also a rating for insomnia?@@vaclaimsacademy

[@johneagle3322]

My intent to file date was 11/2/23, I was denied because of this change on 1/10/24. Should I have been grandfathered under old criteria ?

[@vaclaimsacademy]

Technically they’re supposed to give you the version that benefits the veteran the most if it changes during your open claim. Doesn’t always happen. If you have another mental condition to substitute, that’s a viable path or you could get a doctor’s opinion for primary insomnia

[@johneagle3322]

I'll try an HLR@@vaclaimsacademy

[@SamFromQueens]

Damn I’m in the same boat guess we’ll see what happens .

[@Zindo.Majesty.HisMajesty]

Vets that are disabled shouldn’t have a price limit to make them as whole as possible. I’ve also seen vets that are healthy and active retired getting thousands a month in their 30’s.

[@jasonfreitas3976]

You assuming there healthy. You don't know what they been through. Worry about your own issues

[@wallys7016]

What changed? What’s the law?

[@Franklin-j2024]

Its probally still associated with MH so you cant have it on top of PTSD? I could be wrong but they are eliminating all the gaming on the VA.

[@VAClaims-VHV]

You are correct.

[@Tommypollock]

Can a regular doctor write the nexus letter for insomnia?

[@vaclaimsacademy]

Yes

[@Greg-de9ok]

Just for future reference, it’s tin-eye-tiss

[@Viking_triking_coasty]

Does it affect a previous rating??

[@vaclaimsacademy]

No

[@Franklin-j2024]

Jordan you should be a car salesman when the VA closes this all out. LOL

[@vaclaimsacademy]

Haha I love the art of sales. Being a car salesman seems like it would wear me out quick though, I’d really have to believe in the product. Maybe Toyotas

[@ykBill1]

do i need a nexus letter if still in active duty.

[@chappygrandpappy2450]

I’m still active as well, I don’t believe you do for a BDD filing but for any other type of claims you might.

[@jasonf1551]

if you are still on active duty start going to medical with complaints about your insomnia so they are well documented in your active duty medical STR.

[@mikedegnan5252]

The big green weinee strikes again!