How to File for Secondary Conditions
Secondary conditions are injuries or illnesses that develop or worsen as a result of a primary service-connected disability. If a veteran can demonstrate a connection between their primary service-connected condition and the secondary one, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may issue a higher combined VA disability rating. This higher rating can result in greater monthly compensation and access to other benefits.
If you have developed a secondary condition, Veterans Guide can help you pursue a claim to increase your VA disability rating and access the additional benefits you need. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
When Do Secondary Conditions Apply?
To be eligible for secondary condition benefits, you will need to prove the following about the injury or illness:
- The medical issue is caused or worsened by a primary service-connected condition.
- It developed or worsened after the onset of the primary condition.
- It likely would not have developed or worsened without the original disabling condition.
There are various examples of these conditions, including a knee injury contributing to back pain, post-traumatic stress disorder causing hypertension, and diabetes leading to neuropathy. While the secondary condition need not be directly related to your service, it must have resulted from or been exacerbated by your original primary condition. The original condition must already be service-connected.
Common Secondary Conditions Filed by Veterans
To help you assess whether your medical issues may qualify for disability benefits, here are some common conditions that develop due to underlying primary service-connected illnesses and injuries:
Musculoskeletal and Orthopedic Conditions
Musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions can lead to a range of secondary issues, including back pain, hip problems, and joint degeneration resulting from an altered gait.
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Conditions
Cardiovascular and metabolic health problems affect the heart, brain, kidneys, and lungs. As a result, multiple secondary conditions can develop or worsen, such as hypertension, coronary disease, and diabetes-related complications.
Neurological and Pain Conditions
Neurological health conditions can cause or exacerbate problems like neuropathy, radiculopathy, and nerve damage. Overall, these types of issues can cause chronic pain that affects your physical and mental well-being.
Mental Health and Sleep Disorders
Any type of mental health-related disorder has the potential to lead to secondary conditions. For example, depression can trigger anxiety, and sleep apnea can cause insomnia.
Other Common Secondary Conditions
In addition to more commonly recognized secondary conditions, veterans may develop the following because of their primary service-connected disabilities:
- Sexual Dysfunction: May be linked to conditions such as PTSD, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, prostate issues, or as side effects of medications
- Hearing Loss: Often secondary to traumatic brain injuries, chronic ear infections, or long-term exposure to loud noises during service
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Can result from medications, stress-related conditions, or be secondary to primary conditions such as diabetes or spinal injuries
How To File a Secondary Condition Claim
When you file a claim for a secondary condition, you must demonstrate that your new condition is linked to an existing, service-connected disability.
Here is how to build a strong claim before applying:
- Obtain a Medical Diagnosis. Consult a qualified medical practitioner to receive a diagnosis of the secondary condition. Supporting medical records, imaging results, and laboratory tests are crucial to confirm the condition and establish its severity.
- Gather supporting documentation. Collect your existing VA rating decisions that show your primary service-connected disability. Include relevant service treatment records and post-service medical reports that show the progression of your condition.
- Obtain a nexus letter. A nexus letter is a written medical opinion from a doctor stating that your secondary condition is “at least as likely as not” caused or aggravated by your service-connected disability. This is often one of the most critical pieces of evidence for a secondary claim.
- Include lay evidence. Buddy statements from fellow service members, friends, or family can support your claim by describing observable symptoms or changes. Your own personal logs or medical symptom journals help illustrate how your secondary condition has developed and how it impacts your daily life.
- Prepare for the Compensation & Pension, or C&P, exam. After submitting your claim, the VA may request that you attend a C&P exam to assess the severity of your secondary condition and confirm the connection to your primary disability. Be honest and detailed about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life.
- Complete and submit the appropriate VA Forms. Depending on your situation, use one of the following:
- VA Form 21-526EZ: For initial disability claims, including secondary conditions
- VA Form 20-0995: For a supplemental claim if new evidence becomes available after a denial
Consulting an experienced VA disability attorney can greatly increase your claim’s chances of success. If your secondary claim has been denied, it is crucial to work with a VA appeals lawyer to identify flaws in your denied claim, uncover overlooked evidence, and overturn the VA’s initial determination. Contact us today to learn more.
Get Help With Submitting a Secondary Condition Claim Today
The process for submitting a secondary condition VA disability claim can be complex, requiring crucial documentation and evidence. Working with an experienced attorney through the process can protect your rights from start to finish.
At Veterans Guide, you’ll receive legal guidance and assistance from an experienced team familiar with the VA’s rules and procedures and knowledgeable about the evidence necessary to prove a secondary claim.
Contact our office to schedule an initial consultation today.
ANN WILLIAMS SHELLY DONNETT'E 
