How to Know If Your Condition Qualifies for VA Disability

14.01.26 08:06 PM - By Vanessa Donaldson

If you are a U.S. military veteran with a service history, you may be entitled to disability compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). But knowing whether your condition qualifies for VA disability benefits can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone; many veterans struggle with the process, and that’s exactly why I’m here to help.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the basics of VA disability eligibility, what counts as a “service-connected” condition, and key tips to assess whether your health issue may qualify for compensation.

1. What Does “Service-Connected” Mean?  

Depressed Veteran

To qualify for VA disability benefits, your condition must be linked, or “service-connected,” to your military service.

That means:

  • Your condition began during service,
    or
  • Your condition was caused by something that happened in service,
    or

  • Your condition got significantly worse because of your service.

The VA calls this a nexus; that critical connection between your current disability and your time in uniform. If veterans can show a medical link between the two, they may receive monthly disability compensation.

2. Common Types of Qualifying Conditions

There’s a wide range of conditions that can qualify for VA disability, including:

Physical Conditions 
Mental Health Conditions 

  • Musculoskeletal injuries (back pain, knee problems, joint injuries)

      • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

      • Hearing loss or tinnitus

      • Chronic pain or nerve damage

      • Respiratory conditions

      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

      • Depression

      • Anxiety

      • Military sexual trauma (MST)-related conditions

      Other Conditions 

      • Gulf War Illness

      • Exposure-related diseases (e.g., burn pit exposure)

      • Chronic conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease if linked to service stressors or events

      Remember: Just because a condition isn’t on a specific VA list doesn’t mean it won’t qualify. If you can show a service connection and medical evidence, you may still be eligible.

    3. The Three Key Elements the VA Looks For

    You need a documented medical diagnosis.
    You need a documented medical diagnosis.

    When evaluating your claim, the VA will review:

    1. A Current Diagnosis 

    You must have a documented medical diagnosis from a qualified professional.

    2. Evidence of an In-Service Event, Injury, or Illness 

    This could be from your service treatment records, personnel files, or even buddy statements.

    3. A Medical Nexus 

    This is a professional medical opinion linking your current condition to your military service. A doctor’s statement that says your condition is “as likely as not” related to service can be enough.

    4. What If Your Condition Didn’t Start in Service?  

    You might think that if a condition began after you left the military, it doesn’t qualify but that’s not always true.

    If your condition was caused or made worse by something that happened while you served, it can still be service-connected. For example:

    • A joint injury during service that led to arthritis years later

    • Exposure to toxins that caused health issues after discharge

    • A mental health condition that surfaced after service but is linked to traumatic events

    The key is evidence; medical records, doctors’ opinions, service records, and even personal statements can help build your case.

    5. Secondary Service Connection: When One Condition Leads to Another  

    A service-connected knee injury leads to chronic back pain
    A service-connected knee injury leads to chronic back pain
    Not every VA disability claim starts with a condition that happened directly during service. In many cases, a condition that is already service-connected can lead to or worsen another health issue over time. This is called secondary service connection, and it can be an important way veterans receive the full compensation they deserve, especially when one condition creates a chain reaction in the body or mind.

    How Secondary Conditions Develop

    Secondary conditions usually happen in one of two ways:
    • A primary condition causes a new problem: Example: A service-connected knee injury leads to an altered gait (the way you walk), which eventually causes hip or back pain.
    • A primary condition makes another condition worse: Example: A service-connected mental health condition like PTSD increases stress, sleep disruption, or medication side effects, contributing to additional diagnoses.

    Examples of Common Secondary Conditions
    Here are a few real-world examples that veterans often don’t realize may qualify:
    • Knee/ankle injury → back, hip, or opposite-leg pain
    • Service-connected migraines → anxiety or depression
    • PTSD → sleep problems, including sleep apnea
    • Tinnitus → insomnia, anxiety, or concentration difficulties
    • Chronic pain → depression or mobility limitations
    • Medication side effects → stomach issues or fatigue

    Secondary conditions can be just as disruptive as the original injury and the VA recognizes that.

    What You Need to Prove a Secondary Claim

    To win a secondary service connection claim, you generally need:
    • A current diagnosis for the secondary condition
    • A service-connected primary disability already on your record
    • Medical evidence showing the link between the two
    That link often comes from a medical provider explaining that the secondary condition is “at least as likely as not” caused or worsened by your primary condition.

    Why This Matters
    Secondary service connection helps veterans receive a disability rating that reflects the full impact of their health, not just the initial injury. If you have a service-connected condition and you’ve noticed other symptoms developing over time, don’t ignore them. They may be connected, and they may qualify for additional compensation and support.

    6. Helpful Tips Before You File Your Claim  

      1. Gather your medical and service records: The more documentation you have, the stronger your case.

      2. Get a medical opinion when possible: A provider’s statement connecting your condition to service can be crucial.

      3. Write a personal statement: Your own words matter. Share how your condition affects your daily life.

      4. Seek support from a trusted advocate: A veterans service officer (VSO), attorney, or accredited consultant can help you navigate the process.

      You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
      You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

      7. You Don’t Have to Do This Alone 

      The VA disability claims process can feel complex but it is navigable with the right support. You deserve the care and compensation you’ve earned for your service.

      If you’re unsure whether your condition qualifies or if you want help building a strong claim, I’m here for you.

      Reach out to learn more

      Your service matters. Your health matters. And your benefits matter; let’s make sure you get what you deserve.
      Vanessa Donaldson

      Vanessa Donaldson

      Vet Voice Vanessa
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