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Mental Health Secondary Conditions
Many veterans who receive disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs develop new, additional conditions related to their primary condition. These are known as secondary conditions, and they can either arise from or become exacerbated by a veteran’s primary service-connected condition.
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Content Reviewed by: Matt Coveney
Last Modified Date: November 7, 2025
It’s common for disabled veterans to develop mental health conditions that impact their daily lives, relationships, and overall well-being. Even conditions such as chronic pain can affect a veteran’s mental health over time. If being depressed or anxious over your primary condition has become your “new normal,” you may have a secondary condition that could qualify you for greater VA disability benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Disabled veterans with a service-related injury or illness may often develop a secondary condition due to the primary disability’s effect on their mental health.
- Reporting a secondary condition involving mental health can increase a veteran’s overall disability rating, potentially entitling them to greater benefits.
- Many veterans feel isolated or overwhelmed when dealing with the VA. It’s important to know that Veterans Guide can support you by connecting the dots from your mental health condition back to your military service.
Top 10 Common Mental Health Secondary Conditions
VA disability compensation provides tax-free monthly payments to U.S. veterans with service-related injuries or illnesses that were caused or worsened by active military duty. However, these primary conditions often spur the development or exacerbation of other mental health issues. Some of the most common secondary mental health conditions veterans experience include the following.
1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is often linked to traumatic injuries from combat, both physical and psychological. Service-connected disabilities, such as traumatic brain injuries or severe physical wounds, can cause PTSD, which may manifest in the form of flashbacks, nightmares, or panic attacks.
2. Depression
Depression is a serious mental health disorder that can develop from chronic pain, physical limitations, or the emotional toll of another disability. Amputations, spinal injuries, and chronic illnesses often lead to depression.
3. Anxiety Disorders
Generalized anxiety, panic disorders, and specific phobias often arise from service-connected trauma, particularly from combat situations or physical injuries. Underlying anxiety disorders that already existed before a veteran’s military service can also be triggered or exacerbated by physical health limitations developed during duty.
4. Chronic Pain and Mental Health
Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and other clinical mental conditions often arise from ongoing physical pain from service-connected injuries. Chronic pain can create a cycle of worsening mental health as veterans lose hope that they will ever recover.
5. Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI
Traumatic Brain Injuries, or TBIs, sustained during active military duty often cause cognitive and emotional changes that can trigger secondary mental health conditions such as depression, mood swings, or anxiety. TBIs can also worsen existing PTSD symptoms.
6. Substance Use Disorders
Many veterans self-medicate with alcohol or drugs to cope with chronic pain or the mental health effects of service-connected disabilities. There is a strong connection between physical injuries, especially chronic injuries or illnesses, and the development of substance use disorders as a secondary condition.
7. Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea can develop from PTSD, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. Spine or brain injuries also may contribute to disrupted sleep patterns.
8. Adjustment Disorders
After serving in the military, many veterans struggle to adjust to civilian life or cope with disabilities after discharge. This strain can prompt depression, anxiety, or personality changes that complicate life for injured veterans.
9. Mood Disorders
Bipolar disorder and other mood disorders can arise in veterans grappling with chronic pain, a TBI, or other physical disabilities. Stress and trauma from the service-connected disability can also trigger mood disturbances.
10. Suicidal Ideation & Behaviors
Unfortunately, suicidal thoughts and actions are prevalent among veterans with service-connected disabilities. There is a strong link between severe mental health issues, such as depression and PTSD, and suicidal ideation or suicide attempts. If you are contemplating suicide, you are not alone, and there are resources for support available. To reach the Veterans Crisis Line, text 838255 or call 988 and press 1.
How These Conditions Affect Veterans’ Lives
Mental health secondary conditions often carry significant emotional, social, and physical consequences, but many veterans may fear they will face judgment or stigma for seeking help. Other veterans aren’t aware that their mental health has declined due to their service-connected disability. These impairments and secondary conditions can interfere with a veteran’s ability to work, maintain healthy relationships, and navigate life’s challenges.
VA Disability Benefits for Mental Health Secondary Conditions
Veterans with a primary service-related disability who receive VA benefits may be able to receive additional benefits for secondary mental health conditions. The VA rates mental disorders based on a veteran’s ability to care for themselves, work, communicate, and maintain social relationships, as well as symptoms such as mood swings, panic attacks, and more.
To secure additional benefits for a secondary condition, you will need to demonstrate a clear medical link between your secondary condition and your primary service-connected disability. Doctors’ reports, test results, treatment records, and nexus letters are the types of evidence that can help prove your claim. If you qualify for a secondary rating, the VA will combine your old and new ratings using its combined ratings chart to assess a new, higher rating. This new rating could entitle you to greater benefits, including higher monthly payments.
Need Help Connecting the Dots?
Navigating the VA benefits process can be difficult, but you’re not alone. If you suspect your primary service-related condition has caused or exacerbated a secondary mental health condition, we can help you pursue the benefits you deserve. Veterans Guide can help you gather medical documentation, connect you with medical professionals, and guide you through the claim and appeal process.
We’re committed to advocating for U.S. service members and veterans, ensuring they can access the benefits and support they’ve earned through their service. With experienced legal and counseling resources available nationwide, Veterans Guide is a steadfast ally to the veteran community.
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