How a Nexus Letter for Depression Secondary to Tinnitus Can Strengthen Your VA Claim

A nexus letter for depression secondary to tinnitus is powerful evidence when applying for VA benefits. 

Tinnitus is one of the most common service-connected conditions, and while many think of it as “just ringing in the ears,” research shows it can have a serious impact on mental health.  

For some, the constant noise leads to anxiety, irritability, and trouble focusing, which may develop into or worsen depression. 

In this blog, we’ll cover the role of a nexus letter, how the VA rates depression secondary to tinnitus, how to obtain and submit your letter, and why strong medical evidence is crucial, especially for secondary service connection. 

Key Takeaways

• Tinnitus can lead to depression by causing stress, poor sleep, and reduced quality of life that gradually wears down your mental health. 

• The VA rating for depression secondary to tinnitus depends on the severity of the symptoms and how much they impair daily life, including work, social activities, and overall functioning. 

• A nexus letter for depression secondary to tinnitus provides a professional medical opinion linking your depression directly to your service-connected tinnitus.

Nexus Letter for Depression Secondary to Tinnitus

If you’re filing a VA disability claim for depression secondary to tinnitus, a strong nexus letter can significantly strengthen your case. 

A nexus letter links your service-connected tinnitus to the onset or worsening of depression, providing a healthcare provider’s professional opinion and medical rationale to your claim. 

While the VA doesn’t require nexus letters, they are often crucial for secondary conditions, denied claims, or cases with limited medical evidence. 

A strong nexus letter should:  

• Clearly state your current diagnosis  

• Explain how your condition is linked to military service (direct, secondary, or aggravated connection)  

• Utilize medical evidence, research, and rationale to support the provider’s opinion  

• Include the doctor’s credentials and signature 

>>View Our Main Guide on Nexus Letters for Secondary Conditions

The Link Between Depression and Tinnitus

Many people consider tinnitus solely an ear condition, but it also has a significant impact on mental health. 

A 2019 systematic review showed that about 33% of people with tinnitus also have depression.  

The constant ringing or buzzing in the ears can cause distress and impairment in quality of life, which makes depression more likely.  

As a result, doctors are encouraged to screen patients with tinnitus for signs of depression. 

Learn More: Why & How to Get Evaluated for Depression 

How the VA Rates Depression Secondary to Tinnitus

The VA rates depression secondary to tinnitus under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.  

You may receive a VA rating for depression under one of the following diagnostic codes (DC): 

• DC 9433: Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) 

• DC 9434: Major Depressive Disorder 

• DC 9435: Unspecified Depressive Disorder 

The VA rates depression secondary to tinnitus based on your level of occupational and social impairment, with potential ratings of 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%. 

>>View Our Main Guide on Qualifying for a VA Rating for Depression 

Establishing Service Connection

You must prove service connection when filing a VA disability claim for depression secondary to tinnitus. 

Service connection requires: 

• A current medical diagnosis of depression AND 

• A current service-connected primary disability (Tinnitus) AND 

• Medical nexus evidence establishing a connection between the service-connected primary condition (Tinnitus) AND the secondary condition (Depression) you’re claiming.

How to Submit a Nexus Letter to the VA

After you obtain your nexus letter, include it with your VA claim or appeal.  

While it can be submitted at any point, it’s best to provide it with your initial claim, Supplemental Claim, or Board Appeal. 

Submission options: 

• Upload it to your VA.gov account under your disability claim. 

• Mail it with your claim to the VA Evidence Intake Center—include VA Form 21-526EZ for new claims or VA Form 20-0995 for supplemental claims. 

• Submit it in person at your local VA regional office.  

Proper submission is essential for the VA to consider it during the review and to secure the benefits you deserve. 

Did you know? Working with a VA-accredited representative can ensure your nexus letter is submitted correctly. 

Medical Evidence Wins VA Claims

Did you know that a lack of medical evidence is the #1 reason VA disability claims are denied?  

Medical evidence is a crucial piece of the puzzle that VA raters consider when reviewing a disability claim. Telemedica provides solutions for veterans looking to bolster their claims through high-quality medical evidence that wins claims!  

Schedule your 20-minute consultation call and learn how to get the supporting medical evidence you need to strengthen your claim.

Conclusion

Depression secondary to tinnitus is a serious condition that can impact nearly every part of your life.  

If you’re struggling, know that you may qualify for VA disability benefits, and that proper medical evidence, including a strong nexus letter, can make a significant difference in your claim.  

Don’t wait to take action, both for your mental health and for the benefits you rightfully deserve.

(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions

What is a nexus letter for depression secondary to tinnitus?

A nexus letter for depression secondary to tinnitus is a medical document written by a qualified healthcare provider. It explains the connection between your service-connected tinnitus and your depression, giving medical reasoning for why your depression developed or worsened because of the constant ringing in your ears. 

Can you get VA disability for depression secondary to tinnitus?

Yes. If you have a current medical diagnosis of depression, a service-connected tinnitus rating, and evidence linking the two conditions, you may qualify for VA disability benefits for depression secondary to tinnitus. Your rating will depend on how severe your depression symptoms are and how much they affect your work and daily life, including the level of social and occupational impairment. 

How does tinnitus cause depression?

Tinnitus can cause depression because the constant ringing or buzzing in the ears often disrupts sleep, concentration, and overall quality of life. Over time, this ongoing stress and frustration can lead to feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and social withdrawal, which are common signs of depression. Related Post: Top 4 Secondary Conditions to Tinnitus 

How do you prove depression secondary to tinnitus?

You’ll need three key pieces of evidence: a current diagnosis of depression, primary service-connected tinnitus, and a medical nexus linking the two conditions. Although not required by the VA, it is highly recommended to obtain a nexus letter for secondary service connection.

Do I need a C&P exam for depression secondary to tinnitus? 

Most likely, yes. The VA will usually schedule a compensation and pension (C&P) exam to evaluate the severity of your depression and its link to tinnitus before deciding on your claim. Learn More: How Much Weight Does a C&P Exam Have?