Are you rated for tinnitus “with insomnia” or some other physical condition “with insomnia?” If you don’t also have a rated mental health condition you should probably consider what your next steps should be (and I don’t recommend rolling over).
The VA has misinterpreted the DSM-5. The VA is polluting its workforce with guidance based on a BS interpretation of the DSM-5 insomnia disorder criteria. The VA has misquoted the DSM-5 and is perpetuating an outdated approach to insomnia disorder. We don’t have to stand for it.
The VA may never have even had a mental health professional look at your insomnia claim. If you’re rated for a physical condition “with insomnia” but not a mental health condition, I would be happy to talk to you about your options with a free phone consultation. Of course, if you wanted to have me (Dr. Todd Finnerty) perform a psychological evaluation that would cost you money. Insomnia disorder from some other condition is not just a symptom of that condition, it is an independent disorder. There are often other mental health symptoms around it as well and people often qualify for other mental health diagnoses based on those symptoms- things that the VA may be failing to adequately evaluate without it ever going to a mental health professional. The VA is wrong, but there are experts out there willing to help.