Many veterans focus on their primary service-connected conditions when filing a VA disability claim, but secondary conditions can also significantly impact their overall rating and compensation. A secondary condition is a disability that develops as a result of a service-connected condition. By properly claiming secondary conditions, veterans can increase their VA disability rating and receive the full benefits they deserve.
What Are VA Secondary Conditions?
A secondary condition is any illness or injury that is caused or worsened by an already service-connected disability. For example:
- A veteran with service-connected knee problems may develop back pain due to years of altered walking mechanics.
- A veteran with PTSD may develop sleep apnea, gastrointestinal issues, or hypertension as a result of chronic stress.
- A veteran with diabetes (linked to Agent Orange exposure) may develop neuropathy or kidney disease.
The key to winning a secondary service connection claim is proving a clear medical link between the primary service-connected condition and the secondary disability.
How to Prove a Secondary Condition for VA Disability
To get a secondary condition approved, veterans must provide:
- A current diagnosis of the secondary condition.
- Medical evidence linking the secondary condition to the primary service-connected disability (this can come from VA doctors, private physicians, or medical research studies).
- A Nexus letter from a doctor explaining how the secondary condition was caused or aggravated by the service-connected condition.
For example, if a veteran has service-connected tinnitus, and it causes anxiety or depression, a doctor must state that the tinnitus is at least as likely as not the cause of the mental health condition.
Common VA Secondary Conditions
Many conditions qualify as secondary disabilities. Some of the most common include:
- Sleep Apnea → Linked to PTSD, sinusitis, or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) → Often secondary to PTSD, kidney disease, or diabetes.
- Sciatica and Back Pain → Caused by knee injuries, hip injuries, or altered walking mechanics.
- Depression and Anxiety → Can develop from chronic pain conditions, tinnitus, or severe physical injuries.
- GERD (Acid Reflux) and IBS → Common in veterans with PTSD, anxiety, or long-term medication use.
How Secondary Conditions Affect VA Disability Ratings
The VA uses the Combined Ratings Table to determine the overall rating when multiple conditions are service-connected. Secondary conditions can add to your total rating, but they are not simply added together (e.g., a 50% rating plus a 30% rating does not equal 80%).
For example:
- A veteran with a 50% PTSD rating and a 30% sleep apnea rating would not get 80%. Instead, the VA combines them using its formula, resulting in a 65% rounded up to 70% disability rating.
Filing for secondary conditions can help push a veteran into a higher rating bracket, leading to higher monthly compensation.
Final Thoughts
Veterans should not overlook secondary conditions when filing or increasing their VA disability claim. By properly documenting these conditions, securing medical opinions, and demonstrating a clear service connection, veterans can maximize their VA benefits and receive the full compensation they deserve.
