A secondary condition is a medical condition linked to, caused, or aggravated by a service-connected disability. Service-connected disabilities are health conditions or injuries that occurred or were aggravated during military service. Secondary conditions are separate medical issues attributed to the original service-connected disability. For example, if a veteran has service-connected knee injuries that lead to an altered gait, which subsequently causes back pain, the back pain may be considered a secondary condition. To establish a secondary condition, veterans must provide medical evidence demonstrating a clear connection or "nexus" between the service-connected disability and the secondary condition. This often involves medical opinions or nexus letters from healthcare professionals linking the two conditions.
The best thing about secondary conditions is you do not need to prove you had this injury while on active duty. Please make sure that your service-connected condition is the cause of this injury.
At WSDV, our dedicated team includes independent doctors ready to help you establish the connection between your secondary condition and your service-connected disability. Below is a list of five commonly claimed secondary conditions:
1. Tinnitus (Secondary to PTSD or Other Service-Connected Disabilities): Medical evidence supporting the diagnosis of depression or anxiety. - Documentation linking these mental health conditions to your service-connected disability, such as PTSD.
2. Sleep Apnea (Secondary to Service-Connected Disabilities): Medical evidence of a sleep apnea diagnosis, typically through a sleep study. - A clear medical nexus letter linking your sleep apnea to your service-connected condition (e.g., respiratory issues, PTSD).
3. Migraines (Secondary to Traumatic Brain Injury or Other Service-Connected Disabilities): -Medical evidence of the diagnosis of migraines. - A medical nexus letter establishing a connection between your service-connected disability and the migraines.
4. Digestive Conditions (Secondary to Medications or Other Service-Connected Disabilities): Medical evidence confirming the diagnosis of the digestive condition. - Documentation showing a link between the service-connected disability or medications and the development or aggravation of the digestive condition.
5. Peripheral Neuropathy (Secondary to Diabetes or Other Service-Connected Disabilities): Medical documentation confirming the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy. - Evidence demonstrating the connection between the service-connected disability (e.g., diabetes) and the development of peripheral neuropathy.
It's important to remember that the specific documentation requirements may vary depending on the individual case and the severity of the secondary condition. Consult with a VA representative, a Veterans Service Organization (VSO), or an attorney specializing in VA disability claims to ensure you provide the necessary evidence and documentation to support your claim. Also, the VA's requirements and processes may change over time, so it's best to check the VA's official website or consult a representative for the most up-to-date information.
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