Looking for some guidance from anyone who’s been through this.
I’m service-connected for tinnitus and filed migraines as secondary. I’ve now been denied twice (initial and supplemental).
The VA does acknowledge and diagnose me with migraines (I’m diagnosed through the VA and it’s listed in my records), so the issue is NOT diagnosis.
Both denials basically say there is no medical link (nexus) between my migraines and tinnitus, and no evidence of aggravation.
My C&P examiner gave a negative opinion saying:
- Medical literature doesn’t support a causal relationship
- My records don’t consistently show migraines occurring with tinnitus
BUT my neurologist documented:
- Chronic migraines (3–4 per week, 20–30 headache days/month)
- That tinnitus is the most significant trigger of my migraines
- Even noted they are “very likely triggered by tinnitus”
So I feel like I have:
- VA-confirmed diagnosis ✅
- Service-connected tinnitus ✅
- Medical evidence showing tinnitus triggers migraines ✅
But VA is still saying no nexus.
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### Questions:
Does my neurologist note not count as a nexus because it’s not written in VA language?
Should I try to get him to write a formal nexus letter using “at least as likely as not”?
Has anyone successfully connected migraines secondary to tinnitus?
Is it worth using a company like Prestige Veterans Consulting, or should I push my neurologist first?
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### Plan right now:
- Try to get a proper nexus letter
- File another Supplemental Claim
Just trying to make the smartest move before I spend money or get denied again.
Appreciate any insight.