Double Your Winnings: Why Secondary VA Claims are a Must-Know for Veterans

Secondary VA claims refer to disability compensation claims that are filed by veterans with existing service-connected disabilities. These claims can be filed for additional disabilities that were either caused or worsened by the veteran’s service-related injury or illness.
While primary VA claims are commonplace, secondary VA claims are often overlooked by many veterans. However, these types of claims can significantly increase a veteran’s chances of receiving higher disability ratings and thus, more benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Filing secondary VA claims offers several benefits to veterans:

Higher Compensation: By filing a secondary claim, a veteran may receive an increased disability rating which leads to higher monthly payments from the VA. Additionally, if the secondary condition is deemed to be severe enough, it may even qualify for a separate disability rating.

Retroactive Pay: If a secondary claim is approved, the VA will pay retroactive benefits dating back to when the claim was first filed. This means that veterans can receive significant amounts of back pay if their secondary claims are approved.

Presumption of Service Connection: In some cases, certain disabilities are presumed to have been caused by military service. This means that veterans do not need to prove a direct link between their current condition and their time in service, making it easier to file successful secondary claims.

Quality of Life Improvements: Filing a secondary claim can also lead to better access to medical treatment and assistance in managing the condition, resulting in an improved quality of life for veterans.

While there are many potential secondary claims that veterans can file, some are more commonly overlooked secondary claims as compared to other VA claims.
Mental Health Conditions: Many veterans who have been diagnosed with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may not realize that these conditions can be linked to their service-connected disabilities. For example, a veteran with a physical injury may develop PTSD as a result of the traumatic event that caused the injury.
Secondary Service-Connected Disabilities: In some cases, a veteran’s service-connected disability may lead to other conditions. For instance, a back injury can cause issues with mobility, leading to knee or hip problems.
Prescription Medications: Some prescription medications used to treat service-connected disabilities may have side effects that can result in new conditions. For example, medication for pain management can sometimes lead to liver damage, which may qualify as a secondary claim.

To maximize the chances of success when filing secondary VA claims, veterans should keep the following tips in mind:

Provide Evidence: As with primary claims, providing evidence is crucial for secondary claims. This includes medical records and statements from medical professionals linking the secondary condition to the service-connected disability.

File Early: It’s essential to file a secondary claim as soon as possible. This is because retroactive benefits are only paid starting from the date of filing, not when the condition first developed.

Seek Assistance: Filing VA claims can be a complex and lengthy process. Veterans can seek assistance from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) or accredited attorneys to ensure all necessary documentation and evidence is included in their claim.

In conclusion, understanding and utilizing secondary VA claims is crucial for veterans seeking to maximize their benefits from the VA.

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