Secondary Service-Connections
April 04, 2025
Most veterans are aware that they can get service-connected and receive VA disability benefits for injuries or conditions sustained in service. However, many veterans are not aware that service connection on a direct basis is not the only way to connect their disability. Veterans can apply for secondary service-connected disability benefits if their primary service-connected disability caused or aggravated the secondary condition.
How Secondary Disabilities Occur
A secondary disability occurs when a primary service-connected injury or medical condition causes a new disability or aggravates a non-service-connected disability.
For example, veterans who are service-connected for diabetes mellitus – often due to herbicide exposure during Vietnam – can receive secondary service connection for diabetic complications. Examples of diabetic complications include heart conditions, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy.
Common Secondary Disabilities
Below is a list containing some of the most common secondary disabilities we encounter. Please know that this list is not exhaustive:
- Radiculopathy due to Spinal Conditions
- Peripheral Neuropathy Secondary to Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
- Depression Secondary to Parkinson’s Disease or Cancer
- Depression and Anxiety Secondary to Orthopedic Pain
- Hypertension Secondary to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Erectile Dysfunction Secondary to Prostate Cancer
- Spinal and Hip Conditions stemming from Knee Injuries
How to Get a Secondary Service-Connection
You can file a claim for secondary service connection the same way you filed your initial claim for service-connected disability benefits. VA will require you to demonstrate two things to be granted a secondary service-connected disability:
- A diagnosis for your secondary disability
- Medical evidence illustrating the relationship between your current service-connected disability and the secondary disability
If your secondary condition has many possible causes, you may need a doctor’s opinion of other medical evidence proving that your primary service-connected disability was the actual cause.
IF you have any of the conditions discussed in this blog and wish to file a claim for secondary service connection or have questions about whether your conditions may qualify, please contact Legal Help For Veterans, PLLC at (800) 693-4800.