Discover which conditions are secondary to your service-connected disabilities. Secondary conditions are one of the most effective ways to increase your combined VA disability rating. Use this free tool to find conditions linked to your primary disabilities, including rating ranges, evidence requirements, and nexus letter guidance.
A secondary condition is a disability caused or aggravated by a condition you are already service-connected for. The VA recognizes secondary service connection under 38 CFR 3.310. You need three things: a current diagnosis of the secondary condition, your existing service-connected primary condition, and a medical nexus opinion stating the secondary condition is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by the primary.
PTSD commonly leads to sleep apnea, depression, substance use disorders, hypertension, and migraines. Back injuries frequently cause radiculopathy, sciatica, and depression. Knee injuries lead to hip conditions, gait abnormalities, and depression. Diabetes causes peripheral neuropathy, erectile dysfunction, and vision problems. Tinnitus is linked to headaches, sleep disturbances, and anxiety.
File a VA Form 21-526EZ selecting 'secondary' as the claim type. Include a nexus letter from a qualified medical professional connecting the secondary condition to your primary. Provide medical records showing diagnosis and treatment of the secondary condition. Document the timeline of when symptoms began and how they relate to your primary disability.
Select your primary condition to see all linked secondary conditions and evidence requirements.