WingmanOpen the free toolsWingmanOpen the free toolsIf the VA already service-connected your asthma (also called asthma, reactive airway disease, chronic bronchitis, COPD), it can cause or worsen other conditions that are ratable on their own. These "secondary" claims are where many veterans leave money on the table. Below is what a service-connected asthma commonly leads to, why, and what evidence each one takes.
A secondary claim only works if the primary condition (asthma) is already service-connected, and you have a nexus — a doctor's opinion that it is "at least as likely as not" the cause. More on nexus letters →
Chronic airway disease and its treatments (including steroids and weight gain) are associated with sleep apnea; the VA will consider apnea secondary to a service-connected respiratory condition.
What you'd need: A sleep study confirming apnea and a nexus opinion linking it to the service-connected respiratory condition.
There is a recognized two-way link between asthma and GERD; reflux can worsen asthma and asthma medications can worsen reflux.
What you'd need: A GERD diagnosis and a nexus opinion connecting it to the respiratory condition or its treatment.
Chronic breathing difficulty and the fear of attacks can cause anxiety and depression.
What you'd need: A mental health diagnosis and a nexus opinion linking it to the respiratory condition.