Veterans have made incredible sacrifices to serve their country and, as a result, are entitled to various benefits and resources from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). However, navigating the VA system can be complex and overwhelming, especially when filing claims for secondary conditions to tinnitus.
In this article, we will provide an overview of the VA disability claims process for tinnitus, a common condition among veterans, and discuss the symptoms that may result from it. We will also provide tips for veterans to strengthen their claims and ensure they receive the benefits they are entitled to. In the end, veterans will be better informed about seeking the proper representation from a VA accredited Law Group, like VetsForever or a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to ensure they receive the benefits they are entitled to.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a multifaceted condition that is typically characterized by a ringing sensation in the ears, though symptoms can vary and include:
- Hissing
- Humming
- Clicking
- Buzzing
- Whistling
Secondary Conditions to Tinnitus
Secondary conditions to tinnitus can have various adverse effects, including difficulties with concentration, migraines secondary to tinnitus, and an increased likelihood of developing depression. One of the primary causes of tinnitus is exposure to loud noises that damage the inner ear. In addition to exposure to loud noises, veterans can experience damage to the inner ear in various ways, including, Trauma, Infections, Ototoxic medications, Age-related hearing loss, and Genetics.
How Is A VA Claim for Tinnitus Denied?
If a link between military service and tinnitus has not been established, the VA may deny a claim for secondary conditions to tinnitus. The veteran must show current diagnosis, in-service events, and medical nexus to establish a direct service connection. Failure to provide sufficient evidence of these elements or pre-existing conditions may lead to denial. Other reasons for denial may include missing deadlines or lack of severity.
Tinnitus VA Rating
To establish a service connection for tinnitus directly, veterans must demonstrate a link between their diagnosis and their time in service. Specifically, the following elements must be present: a current diagnosis of tinnitus, an in-service event, injury, or illness, and a medical nexus connecting the tinnitus diagnosis to the in-service event, injury, or illness.
The severity of tinnitus and its impact on the veteran’s daily functioning is considered when assigning a rating ranging from 0 to 100 percent. A Tinnitus VA Rating of 10 percent or higher is required for disability compensation. To establish a service connection for secondary conditions to tinnitus, veterans must demonstrate a link between their diagnosis and their time in service, which requires evidence of a current diagnosis, an in-service event, injury, or illness, and a medical nexus connecting the two.
1. Mental Health conditions like Depression and Anxiety
Tinnitus can cause problems with sleep, leading to stress, fatigue, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Depression is a severe mental health condition that alters an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and actions. The symptoms of depression vary among individuals, but they commonly include:
- Constant feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and hopelessness
- Lack of motivation or interest in activities that usually bring pleasure
- Difficulty sleeping and concentrating
- Irritability
- Fatigue
Anxiety and depression are common mental illnesses among veterans with tinnitus, as indicated by numerous medical research studies. Anxiety caused by tinnitus is also a prevalent issue. Anxiety is defined as excessive and persistent worry or fear about everyday circumstances. Veterans commonly report anxiety and depression as secondary disabilities, with common symptoms including:
- Restlessness, nervousness, or uneasiness
- Excessive worrying
- Difficulty concentrating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Trembling or twitching
- Muscle tension
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Dizziness, nausea, or lightheadedness
- Trouble sleeping
2. Migraine Headaches Secondary To Tinnitus
Migraine headaches are intense headaches that cause debilitating pain and can last hours or days. Symptoms can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Light and Sound Sensitivity
- Lightheadedness
- and Blurred Vision
Migraines secondary to tinnitus are one of the most common secondary conditions among veterans. For those returning from Iraq, they are the most prevalent disabling condition, with 36% of these veterans experiencing migraines. Headaches and tinnitus are often connected, with recent research indicating that 27% of tinnitus sufferers also experience headaches.
The VA rates migraines based on the frequency of “prostrating” attacks, defined as causing substantial incapacitation or exhaustion. According to Diagnostic Code 8100 in 38 C.F.R. § 4.124a, the following VA disability ratings are possible for migraines: 50%, 30%, 10%, and 0%.
Maintaining a journal detailing each attack’s time, date, length, and specific symptoms may be helpful. A letter from friends, family, or coworkers familiar with the veteran’s symptoms may also aid in receiving a higher disability rating.
3. Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s Disease, also known as endolymphatic hydrops, is a condition that affects both hearing and balance due to inner ear dysfunction. To claim disability compensation for Meniere’s syndrome, veterans can refer to Diagnostic Code 6205. The primary symptoms of Meniere’s syndrome can include:
- Vertigo (feeling dizzy or losing balance)
- Hearing Loss
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Tinnitus
- Nausea
There are two ways to rate the condition, either under one code or separately for tinnitus, hearing loss, and peripheral vestibular disorder. If the veteran experiences hearing impairment with frequent episodes of dizziness and staggering, the rating is 100%. If they experience hearing impairment with bouts of dizziness and staggering occurring one to four times a month, the rating is 60%. If they experience hearing impairment with rare episodes of dizziness less than once a month, the rating is 30%.
When rating Meniere’s Disease, choosing the rating method that provides the highest overall evaluation, either under the diagnostic code or by evaluating vertigo, hearing impairment, and tinnitus separately, is essential. However, the veteran cannot combine an evaluation for hearing impairment, tinnitus, or vertigo with an evaluation under Diagnostic Code 6205.
4. Sleep Apnea
A previous study assessed the prevalence and severity of sleep disturbance in chronic tinnitus patients. Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder involving repeated interruption of a person’s breathing during the night. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted repeatedly during sleep. Some symptoms of sleep apnea in veterans may include:
- Loud snoring
- Breathing pauses during sleep
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Restless sleep or insomnia
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
Receiving secondary service connection to tinnitus for conditions like sleep apnea from the VA can be challenging, as many veterans are unaware they have the disorder or mistake it for loud snoring. A veteran may claim that their sleep apnea has been aggravated by tinnitus because the ringing in their ears prevents them from waking up when they make noise, resulting in worse sleep quality and making their sleep apnea seem more disruptive.
5. TBI: Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a severe condition that can result from many factors but is usually caused by a blow to the head or an object penetrating the brain. While TBI can result in brain dysfunction, not all cases are severe, and a concussion is one of the most common forms of TBI.
Military service members are often at a higher risk for TBI due to combat exposure, personal assault, falls, and motor vehicle accidents. However, the post-9/11 wars have seen a significant increase in TBIs, likely due to the increased use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). TBIs can cause a range of symptoms that may manifest cognitively, physically, behaviorally, and emotionally including:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Impaired Vision or Hearing Loss
- Weak Muscles
- Stroke
- Seizures or Paralysis
- Coordination and Balance Issues
- Difficulty with Communication and Memory
- Poor Judgment
VA considers the severity and impairment in various areas of functioning when rating TBIs, including memory, attention, concentration, executive functions, judgment, motor activity, and consciousness. The rating can range from 0 to 100 percent, depending on the impairment level.
In cases where veterans experience debilitating residuals of a TBI, they may qualify for a special monthly compensation called SMC(T). To be eligible for SMC(T), the veteran must require regular Aid and Attendance and not qualify for a higher level of A&A under SMC (R)(2). In addition, the veteran would need hospitalization, nursing home care, or other residential, institutional care without in-home A&A.
Summary
In conclusion, tinnitus is a complex condition that can have a range of negative effects on veterans, including difficulties with concentration, headaches, and an increased likelihood of developing depression, anxiety, migraines, Meniere’s Disease, and sleep apnea.
These secondary conditions can make it challenging for veterans to receive the compensation and care they deserve. Still, they can obtain a secondary service connection for both conditions with proper documentation. Additionally, those suffering from debilitating residuals of a TBI may qualify for a special monthly compensation called SMC(T).
Veterans need to be knowledgeable about these secondary conditions and seek appropriate medical attention and legal assistance to ensure they receive the benefits they deserve. We recommend that veterans speak with a VA accredited Law Group, like VetsForever or a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to explore all options and receive guidance on how to proceed.
FAQs
What is the VA rating for headaches secondary to tinnitus?
VA rates headaches based on their severity and frequency and whether they are “prostrating,” causing substantial incapacitation or exhaustion. The VA offers disability ratings of 0%, 10%, 30%, or 50% for migraines, depending on the frequency and severity of the attacks.
Can sleep apnea be claimed as a secondary condition to tinnitus?
Yes, veterans can claim sleep apnea as a secondary condition to tinnitus if they can establish a link between the two conditions. Both conditions need proper documentation and medical diagnosis to receive a secondary service connection.
What is the VA rating for hearing loss secondary to tinnitus?
VA rates hearing loss based on the degree of hearing loss and how it affects communication in everyday situations. Hearing loss secondary to tinnitus is rated under Diagnostic Code 6100 and can range from 0% to 100%.
What is the VA rating for vertigo secondary to tinnitus?
Vertigo is a type of dizziness that can be a secondary condition to tinnitus. VA rates vertigo based on its frequency and severity and its effect on the individual’s work and life. The ratings can range from 0% to 100%.
Can I claim PTSD secondary to tinnitus?
PTSD can be claimed as a secondary condition to tinnitus, but it requires proper medical documentation and evidence linking the two conditions. Veterans must establish a medical nexus between their tinnitus and PTSD to receive service connection for both conditions.