Many veterans focus on their primary service-connected disabilities when filing for VA benefits, but secondary conditions can significantly increase their overall disability rating. These are conditions that develop as a result of an existing service-connected disability, and they are often overlooked by veterans filing claims. Understanding how secondary conditions work and proving their connection to your service-connected disability can be the key to maximizing your VA compensation.
What Are Secondary Conditions?
A secondary service-connected disability is a medical condition that arises because of another condition that the VA has already recognized as service-connected. These conditions may develop over time due to the effects of the primary disability or the medications used to treat it.
Common Secondary Conditions
Veterans may not realize they are eligible for a higher disability rating due to secondary conditions, including:
- Sleep Apnea due to PTSD – Many veterans with PTSD develop sleep apnea, often due to stress, anxiety, or weight gain from medication.
- Radiculopathy due to Back Injuries – A service-connected back injury can cause nerve damage leading to numbness, tingling, or pain in the arms and legs.
- Depression due to Chronic Pain – Persistent pain from a service-connected injury can lead to depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.
- Hypertension due to PTSD – Studies have shown a link between PTSD and high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease or strokes.
- Gastrointestinal Issues from Medications – Long-term use of pain relievers, antidepressants, or anti-inflammatory drugs can cause ulcers, GERD, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
How Secondary Conditions Can Increase Your VA Rating
The VA assigns separate ratings for each service-connected condition. A secondary condition, if rated properly, can increase your overall combined disability rating, bringing you closer to 100% VA compensation.
For example:
- A veteran with 50% PTSD may develop sleep apnea (rated at 50%), increasing their combined rating to 75% (rounded to 80%).
- A veteran with a 40% back injury who later develops radiculopathy in both legs (20% per leg) could see their rating increase significantly.
How to Prove a Secondary Condition for VA Benefits
To establish a secondary service connection, veterans must provide:
- A Diagnosis of the Secondary Condition – Medical records must confirm the presence of the condition.
- A Nexus Letter from a Doctor – A medical expert must state that it is “at least as likely as not” that the secondary condition was caused by the primary service-connected disability.
- Medical Evidence & Treatment Records – Any documentation showing how the primary condition contributed to or worsened the secondary condition.
Why Many Veterans Overlook Secondary Conditions
Many veterans assume they can only claim conditions directly related to military service, but failing to file for secondary conditions means missing out on additional benefits. The VA does not automatically connect these conditions—you must actively claim them.
Final Thoughts
Veterans should regularly review their health conditions to determine whether they qualify for additional compensation due to secondary conditions. If you experience new symptoms or worsening health issues related to a service-connected disability, it may be time to file a claim. Consulting with a VSO or VA-accredited attorney can help you gather the necessary medical evidence to maximize your disability rating.
