If your existing Service-connected disability has led to other health conditions, file a secondary claim and get the benefits you deserve.
In recent years, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been providing more care, benefits, and services to Veterans than ever before. For example, in 2024 VA completed more than 2.5 million disability compensation and pension claims for Veterans, an all-time VA record. As VA continues to secure benefits for our nation’s Veterans, it’s important that Veterans continue to take charge of their own care and benefits to ensure they receive everything they deserve.
One area to explore is disability compensation related to secondary conditions. Secondary conditions are disabilities caused or aggravated by an existing Service-connected condition. Secondary conditions include things such as depression due to chronic pain or hypertension related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions are eligible for separate disability compensation through VA, but many Veterans don’t know this option exists.
Learn more about secondary conditions and how to file a claim for additional disability compensation.
What Are Secondary Conditions?
Secondary conditions are
disabilities caused by conditions VA already recognizes as Service-connected. Secondary conditions include disabilities, illnesses, or injuries that result from a Service-connected primary condition.
If a Service-connected disability causes or aggravates another condition, it can be rated as secondary. VA rates them separately and adds the percentage to your overall disability rating. However, you have to file a claim and prove the connection.
Here are some examples:
- Sleep apnea linked to PTSD – PTSD is strongly linked to sleep apnea. About three out of four people with PTSD have sleep apnea on a sleep study. PTSD symptoms like hypervigilance, nightmares, and broken sleep may raise the risk of sleep apnea, and sleep apnea may also worsen PTSD symptoms.
- Knee or hip problems linked to a Service-connected back injury – A back injury that changes the way a person walks may put extra stress on the knees and hips over time. While the direct link is still being studied, back pain and knee or hip problems often occur together, and altered movement patterns may play a role.
- Mental health conditions caused by chronic pain – Constant pain from a Service-connected injury may lead to depression, anxiety, or worsening PTSD.
- Heart disease caused by high blood pressure – If you have high blood pressure that is connected to your Service, you may develop heart disease as a result.
- Radiculopathy caused by a spinal condition – Nerve damage from a Service-connected back or neck injury can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs.
- Mental health conditions caused by a physical disability – Chronic pain, mobility loss, and visible scarring can all contribute to depression and anxiety.
- Migraine headaches caused by a traumatic brain injury – Migraines can be rated separately from the brain injury based on their frequency and severity.
In these examples, the conditions that came as a result of the primary condition would be considered secondary conditions. These aren’t just “part of” the initial condition. They’re separate disabilities that may qualify for separate ratings.
How Can I Apply for Additional Compensation?
To apply for additional compensation, you will need:
- A current diagnosis of the secondary condition
- Medical evidence linking it to your Service-connected disability
- A claim filed with VA
To get a current diagnosis
for a secondary condition, see your healthcare provider and get your condition documented. Depending on your condition, you may need additional care, such as a sleep study for sleep apnea or an evaluation by a mental health provider for a mental health condition.
Your provider must also link your secondary condition to your Service-connected disability, stating that one caused or aggravated the other. You can collect and submit additional supporting evidence, such as VA medical records and hospital records, private medical records, and supporting statements from family members, friends, or people you served with. Any document you submit should relate to your claimed illnesses or injuries and show how they connect.
After you have collected evidence, file your claim. You can file a claim through VA online, by mail, fax, or in person at a VA regional office near you. You can use the help of a trained professional, such as an accredited attorney, claims agent, or a Veterans Service Organization representative.
To learn more about filing a disability claim, you can check out VA’s disability claims video.
Resources
VA offers several resources that can help you learn more about secondary conditions, your eligibility, how to file a claim, and more.
- Eligibility for VA disability benefits
- Types of disability claims and when to file
- Compensation 101: What is disability compensation? (YouTube)
- Compensation 101: What is Service connection? (YouTube)
- How VA assigns disability ratings
If your existing Service-connected disability has led to other health conditions, file a secondary claim and get the benefits you deserve.