Insomnia

[Detonator]

Discharged in 1995 with 50% for lower back and knee problems. I developed Insomnia due to difficulty with pain management issues and getting comfortable when trying to sleep. I first started taking sleeping pills from the VA in 2000 and restarted in 2006. I've grown a dependency on them which has resulted in migraines and serious sleep issues.

I would like to get a secondary condition added to my VA claim. I'm looking for any advice from the community members on this issue.

Detonator

[Berta]

I replied to your other post and would sure suggest that you add the insomnia as due to the pain of the SC disabilities.

As a matter if fact- are you working?

If not I suggest that you apply for TDIU.

I didnt realise you got 50% for back and knee- the knee could potentially be rated higher- and the insomnia factor due to pain could put you into a state of unemployability-with the migraines and sleep problems as side affects of the medication.

Has a doctor suggested that your SC disabilities have contributed to the sleep problems and the migraines?

Have you filed for migraines yet as secondary to the medications for the insomnia due to pain from your SC conditions?

If you are employed do these sleep problems, the pain of the SCs and also the migraines- cause you to be late for work or have to take time off?

Is your job performance affected or -if you are unemployed was it affected by these conditions?

If so I suggest you apply for TDIU- the 100% rate of comp Total Disability due to Unemployability-

Question # 18 check Yes and apply for SSA disability too.

Under # 25 refer them to separate page and tell them what you told us here and attach any medical documentation you have from your doctor that would support a claim of TDIU due to SC.

Do you have a vet rep?

Here's the TDIU form:

TDIU_form.pdf

[Detonator]

Hi Berta,

Thanks again for your quick reply to both posts...I will answer your questions that apply.

As a matter if fact- are you working?

- I am still working part-time.

Has a doctor suggested that your SC disabilities have contributed to the sleep problems and the migraines?

- My Sleep Doctor wrote the following:

Insomnia since 2001. Began having knee and back pain at that time which

resulted in insomnia. He received a prescription for temazepam which

helped with sleep initiation yet made him feel sleepy during the day. Has

had back surgery one week ago. Uses temazepam or over the counter sleep

aid 5/7 nights per week. Sometimes temazepam is not sufficient for sleep

and requires vicodin in addition to be able to sleep.

ASSESSMENT:

1. Insomnia due to pain which has resulted in primary insomnia even when pain is controlled due to association of pain history with sleep environment.

Have you filed for migraines yet as secondary to the medications for the insomnia due to pain from your SC conditions?

- I have not...the stress tension headaches from lack of sleep is not noted in my VA notes. I will address this with my doctor.

If you are employed do these sleep problems, the pain of the SCs and also the migraines- cause you to be late for work or have to take time off?

Is your job performance affected or -if you are unemployed was it affected by these conditions?

- Nope, I plug along!

Do you have a vet rep?

I became a life member with the DAV last week and spoke to a rep. He filed the paperwork for an increase on my (L) knee, Lower back and secondary for insmonia and interesting a claim for the scar on my back from surgery. What does a scar claim actually mean or rate?

Detonator

[john999]

It seems to me that you should be service connected for chronic pain sydnrome because it is a bundle of symptoms that would probably include insomnia. I have it also due to pain medications I take. The narcotics keep me awake. I am SC for chronic pain and I get stuff for insomnia. People with chronic pain are usually somewhat depressed and insomnia is a symptom of depression. You also will probably get rebound insomnia when you stop taking the sleep medications. The VA often makes you prove that every symptom is service connected when, in fact, a condition like chronic pain syndrome covers a lot of ground. I don't know anyone with chronic pain that does not have sleep problems.