Secondary Service Connection
A secondary claim links a new condition to an already service-connected condition.
Editorial Team (placeholder) · Last updated Not yet verified · Verification status: Not yet verified
Eligibility depends on your individual circumstances. Always verify current requirements through official government resources before making decisions.
Who this applies to
- Veterans with at least one service-connected condition
What it provides
- Potential additional service-connected conditions
General eligibility concepts
- Requires medical evidence connecting the secondary condition to the primary condition
How it works
- The primary condition must already be service connected.
- A medical opinion generally supports the link.
Step-by-step
- Identify the primary condition
- Obtain a diagnosis for the secondary condition
- Seek a supporting medical opinion
- File the secondary claim
Documents to gather
- Existing rating decision
- New diagnosis records
- Medical nexus opinion
Common mistakes
- Filing without a diagnosis
- Assuming the link is obvious to the reviewer
Important considerations
- Eligibility depends on your individual circumstances.
Official sources
Estimated costs, timelines, and income figures are illustrative placeholders only and are not guaranteed.