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As experienced VA disability lawyers, we know that sleep apnea and tinnitus are common and often debilitating conditions observed among military veterans. Current scientific research indicates a potential correlation between the two, suggesting that tinnitus may qualify as a secondary condition to sleep apnea.
Veterans diagnosed with both sleep apnea and tinnitus should consider seeking service connection for these conditions to potentially secure a higher VA disability rating. To learn more about sleep apnea VA ratings—including eligibility requirements, sleep apnea nexus letters, and securing secondary-service connection for sleep apnea—read our free eBook, VA Disability Ratings for Sleep Apnea: An Essential Guide for U.S. Veterans.
Tinnitus in Veterans
Tinnitus is a condition marked by persistent auditory sensations such as chirping, clicking, ringing, humming, hissing, or buzzing in one or both ears. When these symptoms persist for more than six months, the condition is referred to as chronic tinnitus.
Approximately 20% of individuals will experience tinnitus at some point in their lives; however, it is particularly prevalent among older adults and military veterans. Tinnitus can significantly impair an individual’s quality of life and may contribute to additional health challenges, including migraines, anxiety, depression, impaired concentration, and communication difficulties.
In veterans, tinnitus often results from prolonged exposure to loud noises or injuries such as ear trauma or traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as circulatory disorders. The condition frequently correlates with other health concerns. For example, studies indicate a link between sleep apnea and tinnitus.
Although there is no definitive cure for tinnitus itself, its symptoms can be alleviated by addressing associated underlying conditions, including sleep apnea. For example, the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines has been demonstrated to ameliorate symptoms of tinnitus.
Our VA Disability Lawyer Discusses Sleep Apnea in Veterans
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder involving frequent interruptions in breathing during sleep. Unlike ordinary snoring, it entails significant health risks and can present a life-threatening issue if left untreated.
There are three general categories of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common form, occurring when throat muscles relax excessively, blocking the airway.
- Central Sleep Apnea: Arises when the brain fails to send adequate signals to the breathing muscles, resulting in inconsistent respiration.
- Complex Sleep Apnea: A condition where an individual has both central and obstructive sleep apnea.
Individuals suffering from OSA may experience between one to 100 episodes of breathing cessation every hour during sleep. Triggered by obstructions in the airway, each episode can cause blood oxygen levels to drop significantly, preventing sleep and potentially leading to hypoxia-induced organ damage.
Can Sleep Apnea Cause Tinnitus?
Sleep apnea increases the risk of developing numerous health conditions, including stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. An often overlooked association is its link to tinnitus. Studies indicate that sleep apnea patients are more likely to experience tinnitus than those without sleep disturbances.
While the precise mechanisms behind this correlation remain unclear, evidence suggests a causal relationship between sleep apnea and tinnitus. For example, research suggests that, over time, chronic low blood oxygen levels may damage cochlear hair cells—sensory cells residing in the cochlea of the inner ear. The cochlea relies on a single artery for blood supply, rendering the inner ear particularly susceptible to oxygen deprivation and subsequent injury.
Inflammation represents another plausible contributing factor. Sleep apnea may cause vascular inflammation, leading to thickening and narrowing of blood vessels, thereby impeding adequate blood flow. Reduced circulatory arterial function diminishes oxygen delivery to tissues, including structures involved in hearing, potentially resulting in significant damage.
Proving a Link Between Tinnitus and Sleep Apnea
To achieve a VA rating for tinnitus secondary to a VA sleep apnea rating, a VA-approved physician must diagnose tinnitus. A VA-approved physician must diagnose tinnitus to achieve a VA rating for tinnitus secondary to a VA sleep apnea rating. Veterans must include a medical nexus letter with their VA claim, medical records, and witness statements.
Veterans can get assistance with these complex claims by consulting with a VA disability lawyer who specializes in conditions secondary to sleep apnea. To learn more about sleep apnea VA ratings—including eligibility requirements, sleep apnea nexus letters, and securing secondary-service connection for sleep apnea—read our free eBook, VA Disability Ratings for Sleep Apnea: An Essential Guide for U.S. Veterans.