Filing for Secondary Conditions

Learn how to file for conditions caused or aggravated by your already service-connected disabilities to maximize your VA rating. Discover common secondary conditions and how to build a strong case.

Quick Navigation

1. Understand Secondary Conditions
2. Identify Your Secondary Conditions
3. Get Medical Nexus Evidence
4. File Your Secondary Claim
5. Prepare for C&P Exam

Step 1: Understand Secondary Conditions

A secondary condition is one that's caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability. For example, knee problems can lead to back pain, or PTSD can cause sleep disorders. Secondary conditions often provide the key to reaching higher disability ratings.

Tips for Success

• Common secondary conditions: depression secondary to chronic pain
• Radiculopathy secondary to back injuries
• Sleep apnea secondary to PTSD

Step 2: Identify Your Secondary Conditions

Review your service-connected conditions and think about what other problems they've caused. Consult with your doctor about potential connections between your conditions.

Tips for Success

• Ask your doctor: 'Could X be caused by Y?'
• Research common secondary conditions for your primary disabilities
• Don't overlook mental health impacts of physical conditions

Step 3: Get Medical Nexus Evidence

You need medical evidence showing that your secondary condition is 'at least as likely as not' (50%+) caused by your service-connected disability. This is the most critical piece of evidence.

Tips for Success

• A nexus letter from a doctor is crucial
• The letter should cite medical literature supporting the connection
• An independent medical opinion may be more effective than VA doctors

⚠️ Important Warning: The nexus (connection) must be medically sound, not just logical to you.

Step 4: File Your Secondary Claim

Use VA Form 21-526EZ to file for secondary conditions. Clearly state which condition is secondary to which service-connected disability.

Tips for Success

• Example: 'Claiming Major Depression secondary to service-connected PTSD'
• Upload your nexus letter and supporting medical evidence
• Reference your existing service-connected condition by name and rating

Step 5: Prepare for C&P Exam

The VA will likely schedule a Compensation & Pension exam. Be prepared to explain how your primary condition caused your secondary condition.

Tips for Success

• Bring copies of your nexus letter to the exam
• Describe specific examples of how one condition led to another
• Be honest about all symptoms and limitations

Helpful Resources

• Secondary Conditions Guide
• Disability Calculator