We have good news: The confusion over insomnia is over! For too long, the VA only considered insomnia as a mental health condition – even though clinical experts have clear guidelines for it as both a mental and physical disorder. As medical providers ourselves, we know that insomnia can be related to other medical conditions or it can be a completely independent condition.
Whether you're a Veteran suffering from insomnia as a result of mental or physical reasons due to military service – we're here to help. Here's what to know about the VA's recent update regarding insomnia:
The VA now considers insomnia both a mental and physical health condition
In short, insomnia now qualifies for any of the following reasons:
As a symptom of another disability
An independent condition
A symptom of a mental disorder
A symptom of a medical condition
Another sleep disorder
A quick lookover section V.iii.13.1.l (Considering SC for Insomnia within the VA's M21-1) has been updated to the following: "Insomnia is generally considered a symptom of another disability due to coexisting medical or neurological conditions. Insomnia can occur as an independent condition or can be a symptom associated with another mental disorder (for example, major depressive disorder), medical condition (for example, pain), or another sleep disorder (for example, a breathing-related sleep disorder)."
So what does this mean for Veterans?
This is great news! The VA is now following guidelines that are closer aligned to what medical professionals have always known and starting to consider a connection for insomnia separate from a mental health condition. Â
Do you need help with documentation for your VA disability benefits claim?
Start your VA disability benefits claim filing process on the right foot with proper documentation. We support Veterans by providing expert medical opinions in the form of Nexus Letters, DBQs, chart reviews, and more. Review our services here. Rather than leaving your VA disability benefits to chance, work with our team of experts to get the outcome you really need to move forward in good health.
