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VA secondary conditions: ratings many veterans miss

A secondary condition is a new problem caused by a disability the VA already service-connected. Because you don't have to prove it started in service — only that your rated condition caused it — secondaries are the single most-missed source of additional VA compensation.

How a secondary claim works

Three things carry a secondary claim: (1) the primary condition is already service-connected, (2) you have a current diagnosis of the secondary condition, and (3) a nexus — a medical opinion that the primary is "at least as likely as not" the cause. That nexus is the make-or-break piece. See what a nexus letter needs →

Pick your rated condition

See what each commonly leads to:

Sleep apnea

Also: sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, OSA, CPAP

PTSD

Also: PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression

Lower back

Also: low back pain, lumbar strain, lumbosacral strain, degenerative disc disease

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Also: diabetes, type 2 diabetes, diabetes mellitus, DM2

Tinnitus

Also: tinnitus, ringing ears, ear ringing, buzzing in ears

Migraines

Also: migraines, headaches, chronic headaches, tension headaches

Knee condition

Also: knee pain, knee strain, meniscus tear, chondromalacia

Neck

Also: neck pain, cervical strain, cervical spine, cervical DDD

Radiculopathy

Also: radiculopathy, pinched nerve, nerve root compression, radiating pain

GERD

Also: GERD, acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux, heartburn

Hearing loss

Also: hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, bilateral hearing loss, deafness

Shoulder condition

Also: shoulder pain, rotator cuff, shoulder impingement, shoulder instability

Hip condition

Also: hip pain, hip strain, hip arthritis, hip labral tear

Ankle

Also: ankle pain, ankle sprain, ankle instability, foot pain

Flat feet

Also: flat feet, pes planus, fallen arches, plantar fasciitis

Hypertension

Also: hypertension, high blood pressure, HTN

Traumatic brain injury

Also: TBI, traumatic brain injury, concussion, post-concussion syndrome

IBS

Also: IBS, irritable bowel syndrome, functional bowel, chronic diarrhea

Sciatica

Also: sciatica, sciatic nerve pain, sciatic neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy

Also: peripheral neuropathy, nerve damage, numbness and tingling, neuropathy

Erectile dysfunction

Also: erectile dysfunction, ED, impotence, loss of use of a creative organ

Chronic pain

Also: chronic pain, chronic musculoskeletal pain, joint pain, pain syndrome

Asthma

Also: asthma, reactive airway disease, chronic bronchitis, COPD

Skin conditions

Also: scars, skin condition, dermatitis, eczema

Fibromyalgia

Also: fibromyalgia, fibro, widespread pain, chronic widespread pain

Chronic sinusitis

Also: sinusitis, chronic sinusitis, rhinitis, allergic rhinitis

Ischemic heart disease

Also: ischemic heart disease, IHD, coronary artery disease, CAD

Chronic kidney disease

Also: kidney disease, chronic kidney disease, CKD, nephropathy

Meniere's disease

Also: Meniere's, Menieres disease, vertigo, dizziness

TMJ dysfunction

Also: TMJ, TMD, temporomandibular joint, jaw pain

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Also: chronic fatigue syndrome, CFS, ME/CFS, myalgic encephalomyelitis

Hypothyroidism

Also: hypothyroidism, thyroid, underactive thyroid, hypothyroid

Prostate cancer

Also: prostate cancer, prostate CA, prostate, prostate carcinoma

Hemorrhoids

Also: hemorrhoids, piles, rectal bleeding, anal fissure

Gulf War

Also: Gulf War illness, undiagnosed illness, chronic multisymptom illness, MUCMI

Check your own conditions
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Related guides:
How a VA claim works What is a nexus letter?

Education only. Wingman is a free, veteran-built self-help tool. It is not legal advice, not VA-accredited, and it never files anything for you. Every claim turns on your own facts and current VA rules — always confirm anything important with a free accredited VSO (find one at va.gov).