Mental Health secondary to Tinnitus

[Mover1993]

Hello everyone

As seen in the title, this is my claim.

According to the VA the three elements to get an exam for secondary claims are:

• lay or medical evidence of a current disability or symptoms

• evidence of an SC primary disability (which substitutes for the in-service event, injury, or disease), and

• indication that the claimed secondary condition may be associated with the primary disability. 

With this claim I have submitted a personal statement of my symptoms, a diagnosis of mental health disorders, and a letter from a psychologist attributing my mental disorders to service connected tinnitus.

I'm just wondering if based on the VA requirements if I have enough to get a C&P exam from the VA?

Thanks y'all

Mover1993

[Bwaveteran]

Based on what you posted, they should because you meet the requirements for one. Then again, if your evidence is strong enough, maybe a exam is not needed. If your filing a FDC for example.

It looks like you have a strong  case for secondary SC, keep us posted.

[GeekySquid]

22 hours ago, Mover1993 said:

Is there any reason ya'll think they wouldn't grant me an exam?

the VA is the VA so what we consider "reasons" may not be applicable.

Did that Doctor include any medical research showing the tie between the two?

[doc25]

On 6/22/2019 at 11:38 AM, Mover1993 said:

Hey Doc,

 

you actually reviewed my letter before on here said it was pretty good. I will post it again here though:

Re: Confidential Evaluation of (blank)

Date of Birth: (blank)

To Whom It May Concern:

On May 7, 2019, I provided a clinical evaluation for (blank).

Mr. (blank) has been suffering from Tinnitus since his service in the Marine Corps.  His service in the infantry resulted in significant and persistent symptoms consistent with the Tinnitus diagnosis,  Since his discharge in May of 20…, symptoms have persisted without hope of treatment by physicians. 

Incessant noise from the Tinnitus prevent him from obtaining adequate sleep and negatively affect his ability to concentrate or focus on his studies.  The symptoms have also prevented him from retaining work.

The constant noise and lack of hope for improvement have been extremely distressing for Mr. (blank).  He often experiences severe panic attacks in areas including his classroom, to the extent that he needs to remove himself immediately to calm down.  Mr. (blank) denies current suicidal thinking and no psychotic thinking was present. His sense of hopelessness, fear, and helplessness over the Tinnitus have contributed significantly to symptoms of both depression and extreme anxiety.  

According to his history, symptoms of depression and anxiety did not exist prior to his diagnosis of Tinnitus. Likewise, Mr. (blank) seemed receptive to any strategies proposed to him in the hope of managing the symptoms. All strategies attempted including meditation, supplements, sound machines, etc., have proved ineffective in managing the extreme Tinnitus symptoms.

Given his current emotional state and the clear history of how and when his symptoms became apparent, it is in my strong clinical opinion that Mr. (blank) significant anxiety and depressive symptoms are more likely than not caused by his diagnosis of Tinnitus. 

With Mr. (blank)’s consent, please contact me with any further questions.

Sincerely,

Dr. (Blank)

 

 I also submitted the research article you told me to. 

Well, let's see what those folks at the VBA do with the evidence you provided. They seem to do what they want.

[Mover1993]

1 hour ago, GeekySquid said:

the VA is the VA so what we consider "reasons" may not be applicable.

Did that Doctor include any medical research showing the tie between the two?

Only that it was her opinion as a clinical psychologist. However, I submitted a research article, provided by doc25, that explores the correlation between tinnitus and mental disorders. Like you said though it is up in the air as to whether all of this will work to get me a c&p exam

[Mover1993]

32 minutes ago, doc25 said:

Well, let's see what those folks at the VBA do with the evidence you provided. They seem to do what they want.

RIght you are doc. 

[Mover1993]

22 hours ago, Bwaveteran said:

Based on what you posted, they should because you meet the requirements for one. Then again, if your evidence is strong enough, maybe a exam is not needed. If your filing a FDC for example.

It looks like you have a strong  case for secondary SC, keep us posted.

Thank you Bwaveteran. I hope you are right in your assessment of my case. I will certainly keep this forum updated. You guys have been more than helpful.