The VA's disability guidance on Insomnia Disorder is WRONG (now with louder sound)

I previously uploaded a version of this video that was a tad quiet, so here is a hopefully louder version.
T‌he Veterans Affairs' (VA's) disability guidance for insomnia disorder is wrong. It needs to be fixed so it doesn't keep harming Veterans. I wrote a lot more about that on my website here nexusletters.co...
You can also find links to scientific evidence and the resources I mentioned in the video there.
Dr. Todd Finnerty is a psychologist who works on VA disability claims by writing nexus letters and providing DBQ's... and of course this video and what he writes on his website is just his opinion and doesn't reflect legal advice, health care provided to you, or the policies of the VA, etc.
...and you can check out all of my books on Amazon including my book on Sleep Apnea secondary to PTSD here: amzn.to/2hWRpLR

[@boodrow24m]

Just had a C&P exam for primary insomnia. Luckily, I had it documented in service. Noted sleep problems a year or so before i had a massive panic attack that forced me to see mental health services. The C&P examiner diagnosed major depressive disorder and panic disorder, but stated in the DBQ that insomnia was not caused by other disorders.

[@larryviars6199]

I’m down on the VA and haven’t even had my exam yet. Filed my paperwork for claim for Tinnitus insomnia and anxiety. I was in field artillery in the Marines. I’m 55. The contractor made my appointment never contacted me and then said I missed the appointment the claim would be made on evidence provided. I got it rescheduled but….. I’m less than optimistic to say the least.

[@nexusletters]

Sorry, that story about the contractors is far too common unfortunately.

[@tlteal]

Is the VA listening to you? Do they care? There doesn't appear to be any accountability with them at all...... and taking care of veterans seems more of a facade than not.

[@nexusletters]

I have no impact on their funding so perhaps a senator or member of congress should post it here on KZbin ;)

[@tlteal]

@@nexusletters fair enough. it's almost like they need an outside organization to audit and it actually means something to them. Almost like a 1st amendment auditor of sorts but anything that holds people/organizations and the contractors they are outsourcing accountable.

[@larryviars6199]

@@tlteal It seems if you have the time and the right help you can win. I have neither. So I would say I’m screwed. Oh well that’s life.

[@nexusletters]

Wow, now you can even hear me slurping my drink; you're welcome. Careful what you wish for ;)

[@worldcitizen242]

Ok, so how would I go about claiming insomnia or a sleep disorder secondary to my tinnitus and anxiety/panic disorder?

[@nexusletters]

Keeping in mind that I'm not an accredited rep/attorney or VA official-- it may depend on the sleep disorder. For example, sleep apnea would likely be rated separately from anxiety/panic, but if you're already rated for anxiety/panic and say the insomnia is due to that, the insomnia would likely be lumped in with the existing mental disorder as a symptom of the anxiety/panic. It can be something that is pretty case specific, so it never hurts to talk with someone if you have questions.

[@worldcitizen242]

Thank you for responding to my question. There are alot of is veterans that are suffering in silence, so any information of value is appreciated

[@Juanvaldez-u5j]

thank you

[@briannixon9237]

I just sent you an email 👍🏼👍🏼

[@KevinMurray-ds6gi]

Hi, I filled my claim for insomnia secondary to tinnitus in February ‘24. Had my C&P exam March ‘24. Now it’s June, just received a 0% rating! 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@nexusletters]

Some C&P examiner struck again, sorry. It does seem a bit wacky since a diagnosable insomnia is essentially chronic sleep impairment and chronic sleep impairment alone falls at the 30% level on the VA's current mental disorders rating schedule view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.benefits.va.gov%2Fwarms%2Fdocs%2Fregs%2F38CFR%2FBOOKC%2FPART4%2FS4_130.doc&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

[@YHWHWILLBEDONE]

Because you did it wrong!

[@larryviars6199]

@@YHWHWILLBEDONE I’m going through the process. Have filed had my hearing exam. Filled for tinnitus and insomnia. Have taken sleeping pills for years. What tips you have for the filing?

[@YHWHWILLBEDONE]

@@larryviars6199 Insomnia is classified as mental health symptom now. What is insomnia causing? I would use Insomnia as an intermediate step!