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Secondary Conditions Hub
Discover which conditions may be claimed as secondary to your service-connected disabilities.
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Primary Conditions
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Secondary Relationships
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Categories
What is Secondary Service Connection?
Under 38 CFR 3.310, you can receive VA disability compensation for conditions that are:
- Caused by a service-connected disability (proximately due to)
- Aggravated by a service-connected disability (made permanently worse)
Example: If you have service-connected PTSD and develop sleep apnea, research shows PTSD can cause sleep apnea - making it potentially claimable as a secondary condition.
PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is commonly linked to many secondary physical and mental conditions.
Common Secondary Conditions:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI often causes multiple secondary conditions that can be rated separately from the TBI itself.
Common Secondary Conditions:
Back Condition (Lumbar/Thoracolumbar Spine)
Back conditions commonly cause secondary conditions, especially neurological symptoms in the lower extremities.
Common Secondary Conditions:
Knee Condition
Knee conditions often lead to secondary conditions in other joints due to altered gait and weight distribution.
Common Secondary Conditions:
Diabetes Mellitus Type II
Diabetes causes numerous secondary complications affecting multiple body systems.
Common Secondary Conditions:
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea causes secondary conditions through chronic oxygen deprivation and sleep disruption.
Common Secondary Conditions:
Hypertension
Long-term hypertension causes damage to multiple organ systems.
Common Secondary Conditions:
Tinnitus
Tinnitus can cause or contribute to secondary mental health conditions.
Common Secondary Conditions:
How to File a Secondary Service Connection Claim
Gather Evidence
Get a medical opinion (nexus letter) linking your secondary condition to your primary service-connected disability.
File Your Claim
Submit VA Form 21-526EZ for a new claim or supplemental claim. Clearly state the condition is secondary to your existing disability.
Attend Your Exam
Be prepared to explain how your primary condition caused or aggravated the secondary condition. Bring supporting documentation.
Related Tools
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee approval of any claim. Secondary service connection requires medical evidence establishing a link between conditions. Each case is decided individually based on the evidence. Consult with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or VA-accredited attorney for personalized guidance.