Applying for and acquiring veterans’ disability benefits is a complex process. This is especially true when understanding how secondary service-connected conditions impact a veteran’s overall health and compensation.
Many veterans know they can receive benefits for injuries or illnesses directly related to their military service. However, they may not realize that they may also be entitled to compensation for additional conditions that result from their primary service-connected disabilities. Here, we’ll explain secondary service-connected conditions, provide frequent examples, and explain how veterans can maximize their benefits by recognizing and filing claims for these secondary issues.
What Are Secondary Service-Connected Conditions?
A secondary service-connected condition is a medical issue that arises because of or is aggravated by an already established service-connected disability. While the primary disability must be directly linked to military service, the secondary condition does not. The veteran must show that the secondary condition was caused by or worsened by the primary service-connected disability. For example, a veteran with a service-connected knee injury may develop chronic back pain over time due to altered gait, or a veteran with PTSD might develop hypertension as a result of ongoing stress and anxiety.
Why Do Secondary Conditions Matter?
Recognizing and filing for secondary service-connected conditions is crucial for several reasons:
- Increased Compensation: Each service-connected condition, whether primary or secondary, receives its disability rating. When secondary conditions are correctly documented and connected, they may increase a veteran’s combined disability rating and lead to higher monthly compensation.
- Access to Additional Benefits: A higher combined disability rating may qualify a veteran for other VA benefits, such as Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which compensates at the 100% disability level.
- Comprehensive Healthcare: Identifying all related conditions ensures veterans receive the full spectrum of care and support they deserve.
Common Examples of Secondary Service-Connected Conditions
Secondary conditions can be physical, psychological, or even the result of medications used to treat the primary disability. Here are some of the most frequently seen secondary service-connected conditions among veterans:
- Orthopedic Issues: Veterans with joint injuries (knees, hips, ankles) often develop secondary problems in other joints or the back due to altered movement or compensation. For instance, a knee injury may lead to hip or back pain.
- Mental Health Disorders: PTSD, depression, and anxiety are common primary conditions that can lead to secondary issues such as substance abuse, sleep disorders like sleep apnea, and even cardiovascular problems like hypertension.
- Medication Side Effects: Long-term use of medications for pain or inflammation can result in secondary conditions such as liver or kidney damage, gastrointestinal issues, or even new chronic pain.
- Neurological Complications: Veterans with diabetes may develop peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), vision loss, or heart disease as secondary conditions.
- Sleep Disorders: Sleep apnea is a frequent secondary claim, particularly for veterans with PTSD or chronic pain.
- Digestive and Cardiovascular Issues: Stress, medication, and physical limitations can contribute to gastrointestinal disorders and heart disease.
How to File a Claim for Secondary Conditions
Filing a claim for a secondary service-connected condition follows the same process as filing for a primary condition. Veterans must:
- Obtain a diagnosis for the secondary condition.
- Provide medical evidence or a physician’s opinion that links the secondary condition to the primary service-connected disability.
- Submit the claim using VA Form 21-526EZ, ensuring all supporting documentation is included.
Working with a knowledgeable attorney or accredited representative to gather the necessary evidence and present a strong case to the VA can both make the process easier for you and increase your chances of approval.
Understanding secondary service-connected conditions is essential for veterans seeking the full benefits they have earned. By recognizing how primary service-connected disabilities can lead to additional health problems, veterans can ensure they receive fair compensation and comprehensive care. If you believe you may have developed a secondary condition related to your service-connected disability, seek legal guidance for help with filing your claim. Your health and financial well-being may depend on it.
Herren Law Helps Houston Veterans
Getting veterans disability benefits is a difficult process requiring both patience and understanding of the law. William Herren is a disability attorney who has helped more than 6,000 people get the benefits they deserve, including veterans. Call The Herren Law Firm today at 713-682-8194 (or use our online contact form) to schedule your free consultation. There’s no obligation, and we’ll take your case on a contingency fee basis with no up-front charges. You don’t owe a fee until we win your case.
