Back in August 2024, we began to see denials and decision reversals due to the VA changing their mind on insomnia ratings for veterans who seek VA disability benefits. In this blog we'll go over this commonly service-connected condition, how the VA has typically rated it, and what has recently changed regarding getting VA disability benefits for insomnia.
Here's what veterans need to know about how the VA has changed ratings for insomnia:
What is insomnia?
You're likely familiar with the difficult experiences that insomnia can bring if you're reading this blog. As defined by the Mayo Clinic, insomnia is a common sleep disorder that impacts a person's ability to either fall asleep or stay asleep. It can be long or short term, often resulting from a stressful event or periods of high stress throughout life.
For veterans, we often see insomnia co-occurring with other service connected conditions such as PTSD or a physical ailment that impacts one's ability to rest.
What was the VA's previous rating structure for insomnia?
Back in early 2024, the VA defined insomnia as more than a mental health condition (read our blog about that previous update here). That meant that insomnia was considered both a mental and physical condition, which was great news! It aligned more with what medical professionals have always stated. We were glad to hear about this update.
But unfortunately, the rating criteria has been changed once again…
How does the VA rate insomnia now?
Getting to the important part now that we've covered the basics: Now, the VA is considering insomnia as a symptom of a mental or physical health condition rather than rating it as a separate, rateable condition for VA disability benefits.
Medically, we disagree with this decision, but unfortunately there is nothing we can do about it. At MRPY Professional Services, our top priority is the health and wellness of veterans – but we have to follow the VA's rules.
What if you already have VA disability benefits for insomnia? Will they change?
Since the update, we have spoken to veterans who already have received service connection for insomnia. We are finding that veterans who file for an increase, or a secondary condition, are having their service connection for insomnia severed – instead moving insomnia as a symptom of another condition.
For this reason, we recommend focusing on other potential service-connected conditions while waiting to see if things will change again for insomnia.
Get the documentation you need for an effective VA disability benefits claim
Building a solid, impactful VA disability benefits claim starts with getting the right documentation together. Whether that means a Nexus Letter, DBQ, or chart review – we’re here to ensure you're fully prepared. Book a chart review and discover our range of services. Instead of tackling it by yourself, rely on our team of medical professionals to help you gather the exact documentation you need.
