For many veterans, sleep can be extremely difficult to come by. Transitioning from military service to civilian life can come with disruptive effects, insomnia being a common one. Insomnia isn’t just having a hard time falling asleep, it affects so many other aspects of your life. If you are a veteran who is experiencing insomnia as a result of your time in service, you might be wondering if the VA considers insomnia a disability that is eligible for compensation. In this blog, we will go over how the VA views this condition, how to connect it to service, and what veterans need to do to qualify for benefits with insomnia.
Understanding Insomnia as a VA Disability
The VA does recognize insomnia as a condition eligible for compensation, but under certain circumstances. Typically, insomnia isn’t rated on its own and is often considered a secondary condition. A secondary condition is a condition that results from another service-connected disability. For insomnia, a few common primary conditions include PTSD, chronic pain, or traumatic brain injuries. For example, a veteran dealing with PTSD may have a hard time sleeping due to nightmares or extreme anxiety. If insomnia is a secondary condition to a primary service-connected disability, insomnia could be added to your existing VA claim, which could increase your VA rating.
Learn More: How Does The VA Rate Sleep Apnea for Disability?
How to Qualify for VA Disability Benefits for Insomnia
In order for veterans to receive VA disability compensation for insomnia, they must meet the following criteria:
- A Current Medical Diagnosis of Insomnia
This must come from a qualified healthcare provider. A self-reported issue isn’t enough, you need documented medical evidence showing that you’ve been diagnosed.
- Evidence of an In-Service Event, Illness, or Injury
This could be combat exposure, a physical injury, a traumatic event, or any service-related incident that may have triggered or contributed to your sleep issues.
- A Medical Nexus Letter
A medical nexus letter is essential for connecting your insomnia to your service or service-connected condition and builds credibility. This is often a letter from your doctor. It should clearly state that your insomnia is “at least as likely as not” caused by your military service or an already service-connected disability.
How the VA Rates Insomnia
When the VA rates insomnia, it usually uses criteria for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, since insomnia is often related to these conditions.
Like other conditions, the VA’s focus when assigning a rating is based on how much the symptoms interfere with daily life. The ranges range from 0% to 100%, with 100% being the most severe. Below are a few examples of how the VA may rate insomnia:
- 30% rating: Occasional decrease in work efficiency; mild sleep issues
- 50% rating: More frequent sleep disturbances with reduced reliability in work or social settings
- 70% or higher: Chronic sleep loss that severely impacts daily functioning
The stronger your evidence and documentation, the higher your chances of receiving an appropriate rating.
Supporting Your Claim
Strong documentation is essential when filing for VA benefits for insomnia.
Here are some things that can support your claim:
- Sleep studies or medical records confirming your diagnosis
- Mental health evaluations if your insomnia is linked to PTSD or anxiety
- Personal statements detailing how your insomnia affects your life
- Buddy statements from family members, friends, or fellow veterans describing changes in your sleep patterns
Read More: Top Reasons The VA Might Deny Your Disability Claim
Let Tabak Law Help You Rest Easier
If you’re a veteran suffering from insomnia tied to your time in service, you don’t have to go through the VA claims process alone. At Tabak Law, we understand how frustrating and exhausting it can be to live with chronic sleep problems — and how challenging it is to explain that to the VA.
Our team is here to help you gather the right evidence, connect your condition to your service, and fight for the benefits you’ve earned. Don’t lose another night’s sleep worrying about your claim. Reach out to Tabak Law today for a free case review