VA secondary conditions may not be common knowledge for many veterans.
Usually, a veteran is eligible for VA disability benefits if they have sustained service-connected injuries or illnesses during their military service.
However, there are many veterans who may not be aware of this, but the VA also recognizes some secondary conditions that are the direct result of the primary service-connected disabilities.
This means that if you are experiencing new symptoms or complications related to your existing VA disability, you may be eligible for additional compensation.
Knowing how to start or confirming if you actually have secondary conditions is often the most difficult process, which is why our guide to VA claims can walk you through every step of the process.
But before speculating if you have some potential VA secondary conditions, understanding how it works, its framework and connection to your primary condition can help you maximize your benefits and get the compensation you deserve.
Let’s dive in.
Understanding Secondary Conditions
VA disability secondary conditions are health issues that developed due to an existing service-connected disability. There is a list of VA secondary conditions that the VA recognizes, along with the understanding that injuries or illnesses may not always exist in an isolated case.
Occasionally, some medical concerns branch out, causing another set of injuries.
For example, a veteran may have sustained a service-connected knee injury and, later on, a back problem that may have developed due to years of uneven walking.
Cases like these are a direct consequence of an original injury.
If you’ve developed a new injury, or illness, then as long as you have the appropriate medical records or perhaps a nexus letter, then you are eligible for additional VA compensation under what’s called a “secondary service connection.”
This can increase your combined disability rating, especially when using a VA disability calculator with secondary conditions.
Legal Framework
The federal law regulates secondary conditions. Official documentation is under 38 CFR § 3.310, where veterans are entitled to compensation for conditions that are “proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or injury.”
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions
Some veterans may express skepticism of its application to their conditions, since these secondary conditions are non-service connected.
However, the foundation of this regulation is from the aggravation of the actual service-connected disability that is finalized and established with medical evidence before the onset of aggravation, or the earliest medical evidence that can be created or captured from the onset of aggravation and confirmation via medical evidence that confirms the current level of severity of the non-service-connected disability.
The VA examiner should possess all of the private records of the veteran, which will be used to form a conclusive review, especially when finalizing an opinion regarding the issue of aggravation.
No matter the findings, the examiner shall address each of the aggravated medical issues, which is used to establish the VA disability secondary conditions ratings based on aggravation.
Once sufficient evidence is procured that confirms that there is indeed a reasonable assumption that the secondary condition is the result of the actual service-connected disability, this can improve your chances of finalizing your claim.
However, if you want to ensure a finalized decision, you can secure a nexus letter from a physician to add further credibility to your claim.
Common Secondary Conditions
Here are some widely recognized conditions on the VA disability list of secondary conditions:
- Mental illness such as Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety caused by chronic pain, mobility issues, or medications
- Sleep apnea often linked to PTSD or weight gain from limited activity
- Sciatica secondary to a spine or hip injury
- Hypertension due to PTSD
- Erectile dysfunction caused by medications or spinal injuries
- Diabetes-related complications (e.g., neuropathy, kidney disease)
Lesser-Known Secondary Conditions
While some conditions are prevalent, others often go unnoticed. Lesser-known VA disability secondary conditions include:
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) caused by medications for chronic pain
- Migraines resulting from neck or head trauma
- Tinnitus due to traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Flat feet caused by knee or back injuries
- Obesity as an intermediary leading to other conditions like diabetes or joint pain
Many veterans are unaware that their original service-related injuries could be the cause of these issues. Working with a VA claims consultant can be transformative as they are capable of identifying potential connections that may not be readily apparent.
Evidence Requirements
Whether you’re filing for well-known or lesser-known conditions, documentation is critical. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A current diagnosis of the secondary condition
- Proof of the primary service-connected condition
- Medical nexus linking the two, typically from a doctor or specialist
- Personal statements or buddy letters (optional but helpful)
In many cases, the VA denies secondary claims due to a lack of nexus evidence. A strong letter from a medical provider can significantly boost your chances of approval.
Filing a Claim
Understanding VA secondary conditions facilitates the receipt of your earned benefits and the filing of your claims. These conditions often develop over time, so even if you’re years removed from your service, it’s not too late to file a claim.
Need help connecting the dots? A VA claims consultant can assist with identifying potential secondary conditions, gathering evidence, and submitting a strong application.
You may book a free strategy call to directly reach our veteran coaches. You may also visit our VA claims consulting page to learn more about us.