Nexus Letter for Migraines Secondary to Tinnitus
By Telemedica
8/30/2024
Table of Contents
Is a nexus letter for migraines secondary to tinnitus the missing link to winning your VA claim?
While not required, a nexus letter helps connect your disability to your military service, and frequently makes a significant difference when qualifying for VA disability benefits.
This article will explore the impact of a nexus letter for migraines secondary to tinnitus, how to obtain a high probative value nexus letter, and what VA ratings you can expect.
Main Takeaways
- Research shows a strong connection between migraines and tinnitus, with tinnitus ranking as the number one condition among veterans.
- The VA rates migraines secondary to tinnitus at 0%, 10%, 30%, and 50%, depending on the severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms.
- Despite not being required, a nexus letter with high probative value helps validate your claim to the VA.
Nexus Letter for Migraines Secondary to Tinnitus
Nexus letters aren’t required by the VA; however, they are highly recommended to help prove a secondary service connection.
A nexus letter for secondary conditions with high probative value can significantly impact your VA claim for migraines secondary to tinnitus by providing validity to the VA.
A solid nexus letter for migraines secondary to tinnitus should include the following four elements:
- The physician’s credentials, particularly ones that make them a trustworthy source for the following opinion
- A reference indicating that the physician composing the letter has thoroughly reviewed the veteran’s medical records and military records that pertain to the claim
- The physician’s opinion regarding the cause of the current diagnosed condition and its relation to the veteran’s military service
- Medical rationale that fully supports the physician’s opinion
While one nexus letter per VA claim is typically sufficient, you can submit additional nexus letters from various physicians, particularly if you have a complex case.
Note: The VA only accepts nexus letters written from licensed providers.
The Connection Between Tinnitus and Migraines
Tinnitus is the number one service-connected condition, affecting over two million veterans. The common condition causes a ringing in the ears and can be triggered by migraines.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, some patients report that their tinnitus worsens only and consistently during migraine attacks. However, there are various theories behind the connection.
Some researchers suggest that it could be from spontaneous abnormal neural activity, while others suggest it may be an allodynic symptom.
Similar complaints experienced from migraines and tinnitus include, but are not limited to:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
- Increased stress levels
SEE MORE: Top 4 Secondary Conditions to Tinnitus
How to Prove Migraines Secondary to Tinnitus
To win a VA disability claim for migraines secondary to tinnitus you must be able to prove service connection.
The three essential elements that must be satisfied to service-connect migraines as a secondary condition to tinnitus are:
- A current medical diagnosis of migraines
- Evidence of a service-connected primary disability (tinnitus), AND
- Medical nexus evidence establishing a connection (nexus) between the current disability (migraines) as proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by tinnitus rated at 0% or higher.
Migraines Secondary to Tinnitus VA Ratings
The VA rates migraines under 38 CFR § 4.124a, Schedule of Ratings – Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders, Diagnostic Code (DC) 8100.
The VA rating for migraine headaches secondary to tinnitus can be 0%, 10%, 30%, or 50%. Your migraines secondary to tinnitus VA rating will depend on the severity, duration, and frequency of your migraines.
| DC 8100, Migraine Headaches | VA Disability Rating |
| Migraines with very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability | 50% |
| Migraines with characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over last several months | 30% |
| Migraines with characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in 2 months over last several months | 10% |
| Migraines with less frequent attacks | 0% |
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
Does tinnitus cause migraines?
A study published by Biochemistry Research International found that there is a significant relationship between tinnitus and headache laterality (side of the head) and a temporal interaction of both condition in most cases.
This suggests that the cooccurrence of tinnitus and headaches isn’t purely coincidental, and both disorders may be linked by shared pathophysiological mechanisms.
What is the highest VA rating for migraines secondary to tinnitus?
The highest VA rating for migraines secondary to tinnitus is 50%. A VA rating of 50% for migraines means you have very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.
How can I get a Nexus Letter for migraines secondary to tinnitus?
You can receive a migraines secondary to tinnitus nexus letter from a licensed medical professional, including one of our Telehealth professionals at Telemedica.
We specialize in nexus letters for:
- Direct Service Connections
- Secondary Service Connections
- Presumptive Service Connections
How Telemedica Can Help You Win Your VA Disability Claim
Whether you need a nexus letter for migraines secondary to tinnitus or something else, we make it EASY for veterans to connect with a licensed provider through our HIPAA-compliant telemedicine platform—anytime, anywhere!
From DBQs and Nexus Letters to Psych Evals and Telemedicine Evaluations, the Telemedica team is standing by to serve you. Get the evidence you need to win your VA claim today.
You can contact us with any questions; we will gladly assist you.