VA Secondary Service Connection
A way to get a higher VA rating by linking a new health problem to a service-connected condition you already have.
VA Secondary Service Connection lets a veteran add a new disability to their VA rating by showing that the new problem was caused or made worse by an already-service-connected condition. For example, a veteran with a service-connected knee injury may develop hip and back problems from years of altered gait — those can be filed as secondary. Sleep apnea secondary to PTSD, depression secondary to chronic pain, diabetes complications, and migraines secondary to TBI are common examples. To win a secondary claim you generally need three things: an established service-connected primary condition, a current diagnosis of the secondary condition, and a medical 'nexus' opinion linking the two. A nexus letter from a treating provider or a private medical opinion (IMO) is often the single most important piece. Successful secondary claims raise the combined VA rating, which can mean higher monthly compensation, eligibility for SMC, or a path to TDIU.
In real life
- A veteran with a service-connected back injury files for hip pain as secondary and is granted.
- A veteran with PTSD files for sleep apnea as secondary, supported by a nexus letter.
- A veteran with diabetes (already service-connected) files for peripheral neuropathy as secondary.
Also known as
Frequently asked questions about VA Secondary Service Connection
What do I need to win a secondary claim?+
A current diagnosis, an already-service-connected primary condition, and a medical nexus opinion linking them.
Can mental conditions be secondary to physical ones?+
Yes. Depression and anxiety secondary to chronic pain or limited mobility are common.
Who writes the nexus letter?+
A treating doctor, a VA provider, or an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) specialist.
Will my combined rating go up?+
Often yes — secondary conditions add to your combined VA rating using VA math.
Source: va.gov