When veterans return from their time in service, often they will face physical and mental challenges. Because of this, the VA will provide disability benefits to those who have a disability that emerged from their service. In some cases, a veteran may develop a secondary condition. A secondary condition is a health issue that was developed by an already established service-connected disability. In this blog, we will discuss what secondary conditions are and how you can strengthen your claim.
What Are Secondary Conditions in VA Disability Claims
Secondary conditions can significantly impact the amount of benefits a veteran receives. It is important to understand that these conditions are not directly linked to the veteran’s service but instead are caused or aggravated by a primary service-connected condition.
Below are some common examples of secondary conditions veterans may experience:
- Mental Health Conditions: Issues like depression or anxiety that arise from dealing with chronic pain related to a service-connected injury.
- Orthopedic Problems: Developing back pain due to an altered gait from a service-connected knee or ankle issue.
- Nerve Damage: Nerve-related issues stemming from a primary condition, such as complications from diabetes.
- Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea, are often linked to mental health issues like PTSD.
VA’s Criteria for Secondary Service Connection
The most important aspect in proving a secondary service connection is for the veteran to show that the secondary condition is directly connected to an existing service-connected disability. The existing or primary service-connected disability must already be identified and rated by the VA before a secondary condition can be established. A veteran’s claim for a secondary condition must show a clear “cause and effect” relationship between your primary and secondary conditions. The proof that the primary condition led to the secondary is essential for the VA to see.
Steps to Strengthen Your Secondary Condition Claim
- Gather Detailed Medical Records
The first step in making sure you have a strong secondary condition claim is to make sure you have detailed medical records. Your primary care provider or specialists can assist in documenting your health conditions and help explain how your primary condition led to the secondary one. Your records should clearly show the progression of your conditions and show a strong link between the two.
- Obtain a Well-Written Nexus Letter
A Nexus Letter is a written document from a medical professional that explains the link between your primary service-connected condition and your secondary condition. This is a very strong piece of evidence that can be the persuading factor for the VA to qualify you for VA additional benefits. This letter should be written by a doctor who is familiar with VA claims and your specific conditions. It should be clear, and detailed, and directly state the relationship between the conditions.
- Provide Personal Statements or Buddy Statements
Personal and buddy statements provide a personal perspective to your claim that your records may not fully reflect. You can write a personal statement talking about the effect of your disabilities on your daily life and explain more in-depth how the secondary condition started. A family or friend could write a buddy statement to support your claim by showing an outside perspective on your conditions and how they see how they affect you. Both of these statements should be clear, and detailed, and offer additional insights into your disabilities.
- Work with a VA Disability Lawyer or Advocate
A VA disability lawyer or advocate can help guide you through filing a claim for your secondary condition, as it is a complex process. They can make sure you have everything you need for a successful claim, including paperwork, medical records, obtaining Nexus letters, and overall increase your chances of a successful claim.
Here at Unruh Law, we have the experience to help you navigate the complexities of the VA claims process. If you need guidance or support in strengthening your claim, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. We are here to help ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.