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VA Rating for Insomnia Secondary to Back Pain 

Last Updated‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎

Written by

Claire Szewczyk

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Back pain disrupts sleep, often making it difficult for veterans to fall or stay asleep. The pain may also lead to frequent awakenings throughout the night, contributing to chronic fatigue and reduced daytime functioning. Veterans experiencing this could be eligible for VA disability benefits for insomnia as a secondary condition to their back pain. 

VA Rating for Insomnia and for Back Pain 

VA assigns disability ratings for insomnia based on the severity of symptoms and how they impact a veteran’s ability to function. 

VA rates insomnia as a mental health condition, with disability ratings ranging from 0% to 100%, based on its impact on daily life and work. Veterans with insomnia linked to other conditions may qualify for compensation, starting at 30% when symptoms begin to significantly affect daily functioning. 

Back pain is rated based on range of motion, with ratings ranging from 10% for mild limitations to 100% for severe immobility. The average rating for back pain is around 20%, but veterans unable to work due to back pain may qualify for total disability benefits. 

 For a detailed breakdown of insomnia ratings, please refer to our article on VA Rating for Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances. Similarly, for back pain ratings, you can find more information in our VA Ratings for Back Pain article. 

How to Win Your VA Claim 

Veterans seeking service connection for insomnia secondary to back pain must prove a link between their insomnia and their service-connected back condition.  

To do this, they need: 

  1. A Current Diagnosis: A diagnosis of insomnia from a healthcare provider is necessary. 
  2. Evidence of a Service-Connected Primary Disability: In this case, a back condition that has already been recognized by VA as service-connected. 
  3. A Medical Nexus: Medical evidence that links insomnia to back pain. This could be a statement from a healthcare provider explaining that insomnia is “at least as likely as not” caused or aggravated by back pain. 

Undergoing a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam may be required to establish the link between the back condition and insomnia. Veterans should be prepared to explain how their back pain affects their sleep and provide any supporting documentation, such as treatment records or statements from sleep specialists.  

If successful, VA may increase the overall disability rating, allowing for a higher level of compensation and access to necessary medical care. Were you turned down by VA for your disability claim? Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Winning Case Example: Insomnia Secondary to Back Pain 

In this case, a veteran who served from 1999 to 2009 filed a claim for disability benefits due to chronic insomnia secondary to multiple service-connected disabilities, including back pain. The veteran initially faced challenges in getting the insomnia recognized as a separate disability. However, after appealing the decision, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals reviewed the evidence. 

The Board ultimately decided to grant service connection for chronic insomnia, recognizing it as secondary to the veteran’s service-connected disabilities, including thoracolumbar spine issues (back pain). This decision resulted in the veteran’s insomnia being officially acknowledged, potentially leading to a higher overall disability rating and increased benefits. 

How The Service Connection Was Obtained:

  • A clear medical nexus was established. The veteran provided evidence from a healthcare provider that directly linked the insomnia to the service-connected back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions. 
  • Consistent medical treatment for insomnia. The veteran had documented treatment for insomnia, including prescription medications such as Ambien and temazepam, which supported the chronic nature of the condition. 
  • Supporting evidence from multiple VA examiners. Two VA examiners concluded that the veteran’s insomnia was linked to his service-connected disabilities, including back pain and anxiety. The consistency of these medical opinions strengthened the veteran’s case. 
  • Testimony provided at a videoconference hearing. The veteran and his wife provided testimony during a hearing, which helped convey the impact of insomnia on the veteran’s daily life and its connection to his back condition. 

This case illustrates the importance of establishing a clear link between the primary service-connected condition (back pain) and the secondary condition (insomnia). Veterans should gather thorough medical evidence, maintain consistent treatment, and seek support from healthcare providers to strengthen their claims. 

Content Reviewed by

Shannon Brewer, Senior Attorney

Shannon Brewer, Senior Attorney Avatar

Shannon Brewer, a senior attorney with Hill & Ponton, reviewed the information provided in this post.

Written by

Claire Szewczyk

Claire Szewczyk is a Digital Content Coordinator for Hill & Ponton, PA in Florida. She was a former US Airforce civilian employee, who worked at Hill Air Force Base, in Layton, UT as a flight testing administrator. She has also spent several years working with the Department of Veterans Affairs audiology programs in Salt Lake City, UT and Pocatello, ID. She enjoys working with the Veteran population and keeping them up to date with information they need the most.

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