Conditions secondary to Tinnitus

Chronic tinnitus commonly contributes to secondary mental-health and headache conditions that are separately ratable.

• Depressive disorder / anxiety

  Chronic tinnitus commonly contributes to a secondary depressive or anxiety disorder (sleep disruption, concentration). Needs a nexus opinion.

• Migraine / tension headaches

  Migraines/tension headaches are one of the most commonly claimed secondaries to a service-connected mental-health condition, tinnitus, or a cervical-spine condition. Often ratable at 30-50%.

• Depressive disorder (secondary to chronic pain)

  Chronic pain and functional limitation commonly contribute to a secondary depressive disorder (mental health secondary to a physical condition).

Informational only and not a guarantee of service connection. A secondary condition still needs a medical nexus opinion linking it to the primary, and the VA makes the final decision. This is not medical or legal advice.