Tinnitus: The HIDDEN GEM VA Claim? Here's Why 

The worst part is that I stumbled on this by accident. For years I suffered with insomnia and migraines. I thought it was from the foods I ate or maybe my blood pressure. I wish I knew this years ago.

I was a tanker back in the Cold War days (1988). Nobody gave us any of this information back then. When I ETSed out of Ft. Riley, some GS-7 came to us and talked to us about "getting a job at the US Post Office!" LOL! The younger generation of vets made me aware of all this and I filed my claim (some 35 years later) for Tinnitus and got a 10% rating in 2022. I have always had migraines and insomnia since my first stint at the MPRC Tank gunnery range. But as usual, being young and macho coupled with the military mentality of "suck it up" and "just ignore the pain and drive on" kept me from admitting that I had some very serious issues and I never realized how these would affect me decades later in life. Now, at 60 I know. I have been on Migraine medication for about a year. How and what are "Nexus Letters" for Insomnia and migraines? Can these be written by your treating physicians well after you left the service? Thank you.

My tinnitus and hearing loss was just denied. The VA conceded hazardous noise exposure and that an in-service incident caused the tinnitus and was a factor in the on set of the hearing loss . Medical records from 3 different places with 3 nexus letters and a favorable C&P examination. They still denied the claim 😅 . My jaw dropped. Yall know damn well im appealing this after adding some more ammo to the arsenal.

I filed for insomnia when I got out in 2011 and was denied without being seen. Glad to know that tinnitus can also cause insomnia besides the lack of sleep due to patrols and standing post

Love ya brother 👦 man !!! I wish all yall the best VA is not for us but against us!!! Take care and god bless all

I got approved for Tinnitus shortly after my discharge. Thankfully, I'm not experiencing Migraines or headaches and never really have. But yeah, I haven't slept a full 8 hours in about 20 years haha. Good info, sir. I'll look into submitting a claim for insomnia.

True, I have tinnitus currently I have migraines at 30%, insomnia is my next claim. Good Video..im already 90% - so Insomnia, can get me over the top. I have sleep studies coming up.

Its not a hidden gem when you actually have a real problem. 😂

Never thought of the ringing in my ears could cause insomnia, thank you!

Here are some tips for writing an effective "bulletproof personal statement" as discussed in the video: Use separate paragraphs for each condition (insomnia, migraines). In the insomnia paragraph, clearly state how the tinnitus causes insomnia through its ringing sounds at night. In another paragraph, outline specific insomnia symptoms like daytime fatigue, forgetfulness, irritability that result. Include paragraphs on occupational impairment, describing how insomnia affects your ability to work (or do household duties if not working). Write a paragraph on social impairment from insomnia, such as missing social events due to lack of sleep. For migraines, describe the triggering of headaches by tinnitus ringing and how migraines incapacitate you. Be specific about migraine symptoms like sensitivity to light/sound and needing to lie down. The key for 50% migraines is showing economic inadaptability. Give real-world examples of missing work, family members having to miss work to care for you, etc. Use truthful, consistent details to paint a clear picture for the VA rater reading it. Tailor it specifically to your own experiences to illustrate the impacts of the secondary conditions on your daily life and ability to function. The goal is to provide a compelling narrative that clearly links the secondary conditions to the service-connected tinnitus. Let me know if any part needs more explanation!

I just filed to reopen my hearing loss /tinnitus claim that was denied 😢 before. I was stationed in a Helicopter Squadron that goes on board USS Nimitz on deployment. Hoping it will get approve this time.

I got denied even though my MOS is on the list as "high probability" of hearing loss. Not to mention I was exposed to the flight line. Oh yeah...they gave me hearing aids BEFORE I even had a service connected rating!!

Thanks a million. My tinnitus was just approved Step 1 and I already have it in my records for migraines they supply the meds for it so half the battle is won

Your writing on the board aggravated my tinnitus lol

I did a supplemental claim for MDD secondary to Tinnitus. It recently got denied "While you submitted positive medical opinion from your private physician to support your claim, the medical opinion we received from the VA examiner was more persuasive than the private opinion from your private physician because it was based on a thorough review of your relevant military and /or VA e-folder and contained a more convincing rationale. (38 CFR 4.6) We have considered but denied service connection for major depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder as the evidence does not establish a connection between the current diagnosis and service-connected tinnitus. While service connection can be established for a disability which is proximately due to or the result of a service-connected condition. Service connection for major depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder remains denied as we did not find a link between your medical condition and your service-connected conditions. The evidence does not support a change in our prior decision; therefore, we are confirming the previous denial of this claim." I guess maybe doing a lay statement might help.

thank you for this video, I claimed insomnia and other conditions, was only granted 10% for tinnitus. I suffer from migraines, and when it's not a migraine headache I get vertigo.

This information was great my young brother, thank you for sharing. I will be using this in my next claim , as I have been denied in the past two years after serving.

This is so true. I filled migraines secondary to my tinnitus and I got 50%. But you need a good Nexus letter to support your claim. That’s what brought me to 100% permanent in total.

I got tinnitus rating pretty easily, i worked on naval air stations, that was all the proof i needed.

My ears ring all day n night!!

The ringing drives me crazy. Some days are better than others but some nights I can’t even sleep. Lots of exposure to ordinance. I’m just so grateful that I can work and produce. I think I will pass on the f.v.a thing. But I support all of my fellow vets in getting everything they can from the f.v.a, they earned it. AATW

My insomnia is bunched together with my PTSD rating. My sleep apnea claim was denied due to lack of evidence even tho I did a sleep study and I'm currently going file for migraines all of which I have suffered with for years but just recently realized it was all connected thanks to youttube 😅

I was recently successful in my Tinnitus 10% claim. Did all the paperwork myself, I feel lucky. My personal statement included the incident event plus all other noise exposure. Also a buddy letter from my now wife who I met while in the military. My Statement incident to tinnitus "Mid July 19XX - assigned SIMA Long Beach - Pistol range in LA or Orange county qualifying for Pistol Expert. Approximately 36 people firing for qualifications, 45 shots each. Around bedtime after being on the firing range had reduced hearing on both ears. By morning it seemed to improve somewhat but not to original hearing. The following day hearing quit improving and I first noticed ringing in both ears. It has been continuous 24 hours a day since that time and never goes away. " Plus 8 other incidents/types of noise exposure while in military. "XXXXX's Personal Statement To whom it may concern July 20, 2023 : When I, XXXXXXX, met D Beekman in November of 1990 he was enlisted in the US Navy. He complained then that he had ringing in his ears. I have been in his life since then. I have noticed that Donald cannot hear high pitched sounds. He misses hearing alarm clocks, telephones ringing, or timers. I have to constantly tell him that some device or another has gone off or alert him to any high pitched sound. He often says that the sound matches the same high note as his tinnitus and he can't hear it unless he is within inches of the source. I have noticed that at times D stops what he is doing and winces or shakes his head. When I ask him what is wrong he states that his ringing in his ears has changed pitch." I did watch many many RU-vid videos and requested and received a copy of my military records before submitting the completed exam. The C&P examiner listened to my statements performed the same hearing tests as my VA medical did and did not screw me over. I hope this helps at least one person to get/increase benefits. I see so many statements of vets with more serious issues than I have getting turned down. Good luck to you all.

I recommend using a dry board to write on because the chalk screeching gave me all of the examples you were talking about 😂

Im 59 now and only received tinnitus 2 years ago although ive suffered for 38...i never knew my headaches/migraines were part of it but now since ive had every med test i can have done i know ill be filing migraines/insomnia

I'm already rated for insomnia and have 90%. All the symptoms you mentioned having insomnia due to tinnitus like migraine, and constant headaches.

I have no problem going to sleep, but when I wake up the ringing is loud I feel exhausted and fatigued throughout the day. My wife even says she can tell when it is bad because of my mood, easily frustrated and the smallest thing sets me off on top of seeing me looking exhausted.

My tinnitus is so bad I have to sleep with my ceiling fan on high, regardless of the room temperature, and have the tv on for extra noise to drown out the ringing. This, of course, affects my wife's sleep.

Applied for Tinnitus and was denied because I didn't work in a loud environment. I guess being a small arms instructor and crew serve weapons instructor isn't loud...lol.

Yo-G, what up with your gloves? Love the video information very good. top 100 in my book

After 10 years of not going to the VA to claim anything. I finally decided to go and see if I could finally claim my back injury that I didn’t document because it happened during basic, and didn’t want to get washed out. Well they tell me not enough service related evidence to get me a rating. And that’s why I never went. They you have guys like this with no real problems “claiming” secondary bogus disabilities. I can’t even pick up my baby because of the pain I now feel from leaning over. It’s frustrating.

Great video Jordan. I have the 70% MDD and 10% tinnitus for a combined rating of 70%. Using now a attorney to file to get my 50% migraines along with applying for TDIU at same time. I could of done the migraine and the tdiu myself but I figured I would just let them know where you're going and do those. If I get the migraine approved I will be rated at 90% but tdiu at 100%

Thank you so much for this. I'm starting my process. I'm literally up right now at 5am because of my tinnitus. I was a Parachute Rigger in the Navy with a sewing machine every single day. It's only getting worse.

Also. We should not have to fight so damn hard to get the help we need. Half the time you go in your not even seeing a real Dr. So how in the hell can they say your denied.

I have tinnitus, insomnia and migraines alon with a TBI. I just put all of this in my claim when I got out.

thank you for this... that's all ima say. Fallujah Marine here.

Thank you for everything that you do.

Artillery and Mortars here and I've been waiting for 2 years just to get in to see a Doc here in Michigan. I just want a physical not trying to file any claims.

This is what we get from your doctors. No problem at all, I completely understand, sir. Thanks so much for reaching out! I definitely want to work with you on this. Currently, I do have a wait list. I apologize for this delay, but could I reach back out to you in about 2 months? I have been trying to catch up to the volume/demand which has been high recently. I absolutely do want to work with you though. If the wait is okay, let me know and I’ll add you to my list. In the meantime, I would recommend doing an "Intent to File" with the VA which will be helpful to backdate any approved diagnoses. Again, sorry for the waitlist. Thanks again. Best, Doc If you want some better options, you can use the docs I used on my last claim. They were ALWAYS available.

I just filed my claim for tinnitus last week. I was pushed by one of my friends who served the same time I did, but he has 90% due to other issues. Waiting for a response from the VA via email on what to do next, and low and behold, here comes this video out of the blue while just randomly scrolling RU-vid.

i have had that for years, and insomnia and gerd, and anxiety and depression,and apnea, and IBS, and you name it i probably have it.

Survived an IED/RPG 😢Attack and VA WONT approve TBI rating,, but has sc’d tbi with migraines 30% 😢it’s bs

Fan-friggin-tactic! I am already rated for tinnitus and migraines. And the tinnitus plays hell with my ability to sleep!

I didnt get a nexus letter for tinnitus. It took me 4 years to fight to get my rating. I changed VA locations to a different doctors hoping they would listen to me. I saw an audiologist multiple times at the VA. And then i got into the DAV(lost of phone tagging btw) and worked with an outpatient doctor and waited 4 months and i got my 10%.

You need a diagnosis for a secondary before someone will write you a Nexus Letter. That is how I understood it because the Doctor I asked said that so she won’t write me a Nexus without a diagnosis.

I got Tinnitus 10% , insomnia 20%, denied migraines, currently I’m filing for depression and anxiety. I also have a few 10% for leg and arm damage.

I'm at 10% with Tinnitus. I was diagnosed with anxiety and sleep apnea outside of the service. I also had 2 mini strokes last year and an Ischemic stroke in March of this year which left me paralyzed on the right side of my body. Seeking some info and advice on how to proceed filing to claim anxiety and sleep apnea as secondary to Tinnitus.

Im service connected for my back. Also for hearing . They gave me a 10% like 20 years ago non compensatable. I was in a bomber squadron. Line shack and powerplants . I was a jet mechanin . I was on the flight deck. I was a trouble shooter as well. I did high powers . My aircraft was the A-6 Intruder. I was diagnosed with hearing loss at my discharge physical. But i didn't put a claim in until my 40s. But they said 10% uncompensatable. That's 20 years ago.i have documentation of tinnitus. Constantly. I will try 😊

Why the gloves?

They will just deny your claim. I filled a claim in 2005 for a botched surgery, denied! I think you have to have a friend or family working at the VA to get approved.

Thank you for your information

Great information!

Jordan, great video. Now subscribed. Looking forward to any new content! Whats with the gloves?

When I went in the doctor told me it wasn't my tinnitus waking me up [I was woken at 3:30 that morning alone] it was just the first thing I heard when I woke.

I thought you didn’t need nexus for secondary conditions, since it’s secondary to the primary condition

If you get denied for lack of evidence do not give up continue to go and get help for insomnia. Some may have tinnitus but never complained about insomnia or migraines. .

I never made it out of basic training and i still got 10% Tinnitus!

I really enjoyed your RU-vid video on tinnitus. I was in USAF, stationed at Utapao Royal Air Force Base in 1969. Do you have one on one assistance available?

The nexus letter is going to be the key to making this strategy work. You will need to find a medical doctor willing to write this nexus letter.

I currently have the 10% for tinnitus , I'm total combined at 90% I'm going in soon for another hearing check , I'm thinking of my current service connections to find why I also 9 yrs after leaving the Army I'm having seizures out of the blue, w/ no known history. And they are debilitating and putting restrictions on driving and employment. I dont know which way to go with it.

Headaches - Dizziness with staggering - loss of hearing all secondaries - if you list the symptoms that occur from your Tinninus the first time around when you get your Tinninus approved that's your medical nexus when the examiner lists these conditions as associated with your Tinninus you don't need to be diagnosed if you get a rating specialist that know there job if you want to play it safe go get diagnosis for the conditions - I got plenty of secondaries granted without being diagnosed for them also i got three denied so i tell my my i needed a diagnosis for them doctor then give me a diagnosis for them just that easy - better to be safe than sorry get it diagnosed 😂

I have service connected tinitus and was just denied secondary migraines stating there is no relationship between the 2 conditions. I even had a nexus letter from a private doctor

Thank you brother

Migraines are what placed me at 100% Un-Employable payout. I never had them, until I got blown up the first time. I am rated for tinnitus, yet at a 0% rating.

Getting a 2nd doctor's confirmation in writing could present a stronger case before you bring the paperwork to the VA

Great video!!!

I have this exact rating for Tinnitus. They also gave me 10% for headaches relating from tinnitus. I’ve been prescribed melatonin from my VA doctor for my insomnia.

Wow.... So let me get this straight. Just like other Service Members in the National Guard and Reserves, I received a Sleep Study Exam while on Active-Duty Orders. I received a Diagnosis for OSA while on Active-Duty Orders. I was issued a C-PAP Machine with a year worth of supplies while I was on Active-Duty orders. Yet and still, just like other Guardsmen and Reservist I was Denied. Nevertheless, there is not one Channel here on RU-vid that can explain this. If there is ANYONE out there who can explain this, please do so. Because it seems like all these Veteran advocates don't have a clue.

I got 60% after I retired out of the Navy, I was in Aviation. I have hearing loss with Tinnitus, sleep apnea. I have other stuff that was documented but wasn't given a percentage for them. Lower back strain, chronic blisters on my feet, hypertension and a few others. I have a few fears about going back to the VA. I don't use my C-PAP and don't want to lose what I already have. Also, I don't want any reason to lose my gun rights for any mental health. Are these fears legitimate?

I have C&P exam coming up for tinnitus. How do I get and who writes up the nexus letter? Thanks in advance and thanks for the education!

I just put a claim in for Tinnitus... I will work on my personal statement that shows social and economic impairments.

The ringing in my ears is so loud, it hurts my ears. I have in my medical record that i have a hard time sleeping. They did the sleep apnea study and say i have it really bad. I should be able to add insomnia also.

How to game the system from a guy wearing an Ascot.

Great Information, It complex...

I was trying to get 0 percent for the hernia repair i had in case in the future i needed a new repair or if my other side needed work. I was DENIED

If i get a doctor to write a letter with dates and time frames of my service with things that happend in service on why i have conditions, will the work to prove service connection since i got denied for non service connectio

I just got denied for Tinnitus. MOS was on the exposure list (firefighter), wrote a personal statement, didnt say anything dumb at the C&P exam.. but they still said there's no nexus connection 😂😂... Ok guess I have to go get nexus letter and do a supplemental.. these people wont win!

Im 10 percent service connected for tinnitus. My lawyer the veteran law office just put in a claim for depression only secondary to tinnitus. Im diagnosed with depression anxiety ed impotent pre diabetic i take meds for ed depression anxiety. But my lawyer just put it in just as is no nexus no imo nothing is this normal. Also they put my claim in on Jan 18 2024 by Jan 22 2024 it was already in the decision phase. What in hell us going in. Jan 27 got a call for my cand p exam.

They keep denying mine...I level jet engine mechanic that worked in the hush house and who's shop was 25' from the parked 18 squadron for 5 years...

I got approved for it after almost 20 years off the service. The damn ringing and static it’s worse before I go to sleep and most times I have to have tv or radio on to off set the

I was just denied my claim for tinnitus. There was a procedure done in 1986 when my ear canal was punctured by a medical assistance. it is in the medical records but the VA said screw you, you're not getting it.

Got 10 percent for tinnitus and 20 percent for hearing loss

First, tinnitus sucks. Second, I recently went to the VA to have a hearing test done to get hearing aids. I was told we don't hear with our ears.

Great video ❤

I have gotten 3 c &p's for tinnitus and have never gotten compensation. The first one I was never told about (Jackson Mississippi VA),the 2nd at the Tuscaloosa AL and the 3rd one by Tuscaloosa AL VA, with the 2nd never told about, the 3rd one I was denied. Unbelievable! What should I do next?

Can u show us the way VA math works..? What if I had insomnia while I was in Active Duty, and was prescribed sleep meds.. And that the insomnia was in my med file.. Do I still attempt at the secondary for tinnitus or file Insomnia as a primary Serv. Connection.. Thanks again, Jason

What you explained. I have. Headaches that have become unbearable. So bad, layind brings some comfort. Sleep is much needed , so difficult to do. The ringing in my ear cause me to lose over 70% of my hearing. I get dizzy standing for long periods of time. I fall at time and I have injured myself due to dizzy spells snd falling . I am shame to say that i have resulted into alcohol to ease the ppl pain. Pain pills only provides bad constipation. I dont know where and how to begin with claim filing

What’s with the Thurston Howell the third outfit 🤣

There is a third leg to high-value secondary claims based on Tinnitus: Sleep Apnea, rated at 50% with CPAP.

What's up with those gloves G 😂

Nice breakdown!! True! I got tinitus connected insomnia 30% but denied with migraines connection. I had all the evidence, medications, VA visits, migraine log, statements etc. Still denied migraines. What’s my next move?

We used to put cigarette butts in our ears on the rifle range. They didn't work well, but were better than nothing. My ears have been ringing for 40 years.

Add, bruxism secondary insomnia, gerd secondary to mental health, sleep apnea secondary to gerd boom

I need to know just to GET the rating. I had and ear exam 4 years ago and have never heard a thing since.

Where does one even start to search for medical professionals who specialize in writings nexus letters for secondary claims for pain and insomnia?

Always file tinnitus and hearing loss at same time❤❤

So my work in a diesel engine powered generator room and damaged my hearing and sense of smell could be worth money?

I was turned away for it saying they can’t prove it’s service connectee

Look, when you're ears ring all the time and can't sleep well enough is enough. My doctor says take a sleeping pill. I can't stand it no more. I got 20 percent for tinnitus and 10 percent hearing loss. I'm going crazy crazy and little money for this. 😮 so now I got 30 percent. That's not enough for hearing aids.

Hello. I’ve been diagnosed with insomnia by the VA, and recently been service-connected for tinnitus. Also have service connection for OSA , and am at 50% for my mental health (unspecified depressive disorder) as well. Question: Would adding on the Insomnia, secondary to tinnitus, with a nexus letter, OR personal statement, be a valid claim on its own? Or, was wondering if a mental health INCREASE from say, 50 to 70, be more appropriate, adding in my insomnia diagnosis to help bolster any additional rating given with that personal statement?