5 Secondary Conditions Veterans Commonly Miss — And How to Get Them Approved
The majority of veterans who submit VA claims concentrate on the main ailment that started while they were serving, such as PTSD, back discomfort, or a knee injury. However, that primary ailment may eventually lead to new health issues known as VA secondary diseases, which are also covered by disability benefits.
You might be losing out on well-earned benefits if you fail to recognize and claim certain VA secondary conditions.
This article highlights five VA secondary conditions veterans typically miss and links you to credible resources that explain the medical and legal linkages in greater depth.
1. Migraines Secondary to PTSD, TBI, or Neck Injuries
Many veterans deal with migraines that began or were aggravated after PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or persistent neck difficulties. These migraines can qualify as VA secondary conditions when they are tied to an already service-connected disability.
The VA rates migraines secondary to PTSD at 0%, 10%, 30%, or 50% depending on severity and frequency, according to Telemedica, a veterans' medical provider. A compelling nexus letter can be essential to obtaining this kind of claim.
See Telemedica—Migraines Secondary to PTSD for a more thorough description of the research supporting the link between migraines and PTSD.
A TBI-focused VA disability guide also affirms that migraines typically show as part of the disability picture among veterans with service-connected brain injuries. (Vadisability Group—TBI and Migraines)
Helpful evidence includes:
A formal diagnosis of migraine from a medical provider
Documentation of how often attacks occur and how they impact work and functioning
A nexus letter clearly connecting migraines to PTSD, TBI, or a neck/spine condition
2. Sleep Apnea Secondary to PTSD
Sleep apnea is another condition that often shows up after PTSD or other service-connected health issues—but many veterans don’t realize it can be claimed as a VA secondary condition.
Veterans law firms and medical-legal guides describe how sleep apnea secondary to PTSD can be service-connected if a veteran demonstrates (1) a current diagnosis; (2) a PTSD diagnosis that has already been service-connected; and (3) medical evidence or a nexus letter demonstrating that the PTSD causes or exacerbates the sleep apnea. For a full legal explanation of how to prove sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD. (Hill & Ponton—Sleep Apnea Secondary to PTSD.
Another practical veteran-focused summary of problems secondary to PTSD, including sleep apnea, is here: (Telemedica—6 Conditions Secondary to PTSD)
Evidence that strengthens this claim:
Sleep study confirming obstructive sleep apnea
Treatment records (e.g., CPAP usage)
Nexus letter from a sleep specialist or psychiatrist tying sleep apnea to PTSD symptoms such as chronic hyperarousal, insomnia, or medication-related changes
3. Radiculopathy Secondary to Back or Neck Disabilities
Radiculopathy—radiating nerve pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs—is one of the most common VA secondary conditions connected to spine disorders.
Hill & Ponton, a veterans disability legal company, observes that radiculopathy is frequently claimed as a sequel ailment to service-connected back or neck injuries, especially when ruptured discs, degenerative disc disease (DDD), or spinal stenosis compress nerve roots. Their article on radiculopathy shows how the VA often assesses each damaged limb separately, which can considerably boost a veteran’s overall combined rating. (Hill & Ponton—Radiculopathy)
A companion post concentrating on secondary ailments veterans can claim for back pain also emphasizes radiculopathy as one of the most frequent neurological sequelae. (Hill & Ponton—Back Pain)
Useful evidence:
MRI, EMG, or nerve conduction studies showing nerve root involvement
Medical records documenting radiating pain, numbness, or weakness
A clear nexus statement: for example, that lumbar or cervical spine disease has caused or aggravated radiculopathy in the legs or arms
4. Depression or Anxiety Secondary to Chronic Pain
Chronic pain doesn’t just affect the body — it can also deeply affect mental health. Many veterans develop depression or anxiety as a direct result of long-term pain from orthopedic or neurological conditions.
A legal-medical analysis from Hill & Ponton explains the connection between chronic pain and depressive disorders, noting that ongoing pain can greatly increase the risk of depression and that VA ratings will consider how symptoms affect daily life and relationships. You can read their discussion on depression secondary to chronic pain here: Hill & Ponton—Chronic Pain on the Brain
Another site for veterans indicates that depression caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability can be service-connected under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310 as a secondary condition. (VetnexusMD—Depression Secondary to Chronic Pain)
Evidence that supports depression or anxiety as VA secondary conditions:
Diagnosis from a VA or private mental health professional
Treatment notes showing how chronic pain impacts mood, sleep, relationships, or work
Nexus letter linking your service-connected physical condition and resulting chronic pain to the development or worsening of depression/anxiety
5. Gastrointestinal Issues Secondary to Medications or PTSD
Many veterans acquire gastrointestinal (GI) issues—like GERD, IBS, chronic reflux, or stomach discomfort—after years of taking drugs (NSAIDs, antidepressants, or pain meds) or living with PTSD-related stress.
The VA's own PTSD treatment page highlights the significance of complete therapy and support and explains how PTSD is linked to a variety of physical health problems. (VA Gov—PTSD Treatment)
Recent research among U.S. soldiers has also studied the association between PTSD and gastrointestinal disease, revealing that GI diseases occur more commonly in veterans with PTSD compared to those without it.
For example, one 2024 study studied how PTSD and GI disorders are linked in U.S. military veterans, supporting what many veterans experience in real life—that mental health and digestion are strongly intertwined. (SAGE PUB—PTSD and GI disease)
Veterans' legal and medical literature also covers GERD secondary to PTSD, explaining that stress, drugs, and physiological changes can make it appropriate to service-connect GERD as a VA secondary condition. (Hill & Ponton—GERD Secondary to PTSD)
Evidence that helps here:
Diagnosis of a GI ailment (IBS, GERD, etc.) from a gastroenterologist or primary care provider
Documentation of long-term use of specific drugs (for PTSD or pain)
A nexus letter detailing how PTSD or drugs “at least as likely as not” caused or worsened the GI issue
How to Strengthen Your Claim for VA Secondary Conditions
1. Ensure Correct Diagnosis of All Conditions
The VA demands a current diagnosis for each disease you claim, including VA secondary disorders. That includes getting evaluated by a qualified provider (neurology, mental health, GI, sleep medicine, etc.).
2. Get a Strong Nexus Letter
For secondary service connection, the nexus is the bridge. Your provider should clearly disclose that:
“It is at least as likely as not (50% probability or greater) that the veteran’s [secondary condition] is caused or aggravated by their service-connected [primary condition].”
This phrase matches the legal criteria the VA uses to grant secondary conditions. (VetnexusMD—Depression Secondary to Chronic Pain)
3. Keep Your Symptom History Consistent
Make sure your symptoms are documented consistently across VA and private medical records—frequency of migraines, sleep difficulties, nerve pain, mood changes, or GI flare-ups.
4. Be Honest and Specific at Your C&P Exams
At a Compensation & Pension exam, don’t underestimate your symptoms. Explain:
How frequently they occur
How serious they are
How they affect your career, relationships, sleep, and daily living
Consistent, specific reporting helps the VA understand the full effect of your VA secondary illnesses.
Conclusion: Don’t Leave Secondary Benefits on the Table
VA secondary conditions, including migraines, sleep apnea, radiculopathy, depression, and GI disorders, are often just as disabling as the primary condition that developed in service. They can greatly raise your overall disability rating when they are appropriately connected and documented. More importantly, though, they more accurately represent how your service has impacted your health.
If you’re not sure which VA secondary conditions may apply to you, VBTP can help you analyze your current ratings, identify possible secondary claims, and move ahead with evidence-based advocacy.
📞 Schedule your free consultation today at vbtp.pro
