15 VA Secondary Conditions You Might Be Missing (Hidden Claims)

15 VA Secondary Conditions You Might Be Missing (Hidden Claims)

You Got a Disability Rating — But Something Still Feels Off

You finally got approved for a service-connected condition. That should have been the hard part. But your pain has spread. You are developing new issues — sleep problems, anxiety, weight gain, knee pain. The VA says these “aren’t related,” but you know they are. You just do not know how to prove it.

The truth is, many veterans are missing out on thousands of dollars in benefits every year simply because they do not know about secondary conditions — those health issues that develop because of something already service-connected.

If you are tired of feeling like your claim is incomplete, this article will help you uncover the conditions you may be overlooking — and how to finally connect the dots.

Why Veterans Miss Out on Secondary Conditions

VA disability claims often focus on the primary issue — the injury, illness, or condition that clearly happened in service or shortly after. But what happens next is just as important:

• Your back injury from the Army? Now you are limping — and your knees are shot.

• Your PTSD? It is made worse by insomnia and high blood pressure.

• Your migraines? They trigger anxiety and depression when they keep you from working.

These follow-on issues are compensable — but only if you make the connection and provide the right documentation.

According to the VA Annual Benefits Report, over 35% of all approved claims involve secondary conditions, yet most veterans do not file for them until years later — often after they’ve been denied multiple times or lose out on back pay.

The problem? The VA does not make these connections for you — you have to do it yourself or work with someone who can.

The Top 15 Most Common Secondary Conditions Veterans Overlook

These are real conditions we see veterans successfully get connected once they provide evidence of the link:

1.  Sleep Apnea

Often secondary to PTSD, obesity due to immobility, or chronic sinus conditions.

2.  Depression or Anxiety

Common secondary results of chronic pain, tinnitus, or service-connected physical limitations.

3.  GERD (Acid Reflux)

Frequently linked to PTSD, anxiety, or medication side effects from pain management.

4.  Hypertension

Can be caused by stress-related disorders like PTSD or side effects from chronic medication use.

5.  Knee and Hip Conditions

Secondary to back injuries that change your gait or posture.

6.  Weight Gain or Obesity

Often connected to limited mobility from orthopedic injuries or depression.

7.  Diabetes (Type 2)

May be connected to certain medications or long-term inactivity from service-connected conditions.

8.  Erectile Dysfunction

Often secondary to PTSD, diabetes, medication side effects, or mental health conditions.

9.  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Linked to fibromyalgia, Gulf War illness, or long-standing service-related medical issues.

10.  Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)

Can lead to anxiety, depression, and sleep issues.

11.  Headaches or Migraines

Secondary to TBI, neck injuries, or mental health disorders.

12.  Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Often seen in Gulf War veterans or secondary to chronic stress or medication.

13.  Foot Conditions (Plantar Fasciitis, Flat Feet)

Can stem from altered gait due to back, knee, or hip problems.

14.  Skin Conditions or Scarring

Caused by burns, surgeries, or chronic infections from service-related injuries.

15.  Alcohol or Substance Use Disorders

Frequently overlooked, but often tied to untreated PTSD or pain management.

So How Do You Prove It?

The key is medical evidence. Here’s how to start building a strong claim for a secondary condition:

• Get a diagnosis. The condition must be officially diagnosed by a medical provider.

• Show the link. A doctor must state that the condition is at least as likely as not caused or worsened by your service-connected condition.

• File a VA Form 21-526EZ and clearly state you’re filing a secondary claim.

• Include a Nexus letter, if possible, from a licensed provider who understands how to explain the connection.

Most importantly — do not wait. Filing early means potential back pay and a better chance of success before your health worsens further.

Where Most Veterans Get Stuck — and How ClaimSmart VA Helps

You can research and submit all of this yourself. But most veterans either:

• Do not know what secondary conditions are relevant to their case

• Forget to include evidence

• Have no idea how to write a Nexus letter or get a doctor to complete one

That is exactly why we created ClaimSmart VA.

Our AI-powered system:

• Scans your service and treatment records

• Identifies overlooked secondary and presumptive conditions

• Connects civilian and VA medical records

• Provides free Nexus letter templates

• Delivers a custom claim strategy tailored to your history

Everything is backed by manual review and built to Title 38 standards — and best of all, there are no back pay deductions. Just transparent pricing and a 14-day guarantee.

Stop Leaving Benefits on the Table

Secondary claims are not a loophole — they are a vital part of your full compensation.

Our AI helps you find and support these claims faster, more accurately, and with expert guidance every step of the way.

Start with our Basic or Comprehensive package — or message us to ask what we can find in your records.

You served. Now it is time to receive everything you earned.