Welcome to VA Claim Blueprint

What This Is

VA Claim Blueprint is a free, veteran-built resource designed to help fellow service members navigate the VA disability claims process with confidence. Every link points to official government sources — VA.gov, SSA.gov, and state veteran affairs offices. This is the roadmap we wish we had.

Why I Created It

Too many veterans leave benefits on the table — not because they don't qualify, but because the process is confusing and overwhelming. I built this to cut through the noise and give veterans a clear, step-by-step path using only trusted, official resources. No paywalls, no upsells, no predatory "claim sharks." Just one veteran helping others get what they've earned.

What This Is Not

This is not legal advice, medical advice, or an official VA resource. It does not replace consultation with a VA-accredited representative, attorney, or healthcare provider. Always verify information directly on VA.gov. Never share personal information (SSN, medical records, login credentials) on any unofficial site.

This message appears only on your first visit.

VACB
Section 2.7

Secondary & Aggravation Claims

File claims for conditions caused or worsened by an already service-connected disability. This is one of the most common paths from a mid-range rating to 90-100%.

What Is a Secondary Claim?

A secondary claim is for a condition that was caused by or aggravated by an already service-connected disability. Unlike a direct claim, you do not need to prove an in-service event for the secondary condition — you need to show that your existing service-connected disability led to or worsened the new condition.

Nexus Letter Required

A nexus letter from a qualified medical provider is required to establish the connection between your primary service-connected condition and the secondary condition. The letter must state that the secondary condition is "at least as likely as not" caused or aggravated by the primary condition.

How Secondary Claims Work

Primary Condition

Already service-connected

Causes or Aggravates

Medical nexus required

Secondary Condition

New rating added

Common Secondary Condition Examples

Primary: Service-connected knee injury

Hip conditionBack conditionGait abnormalityOpposite knee strain

An altered gait from a knee injury places abnormal stress on the hip, back, and opposite knee, leading to secondary conditions over time.

Primary: PTSD

Sleep apneaMigrainesHypertensionSubstance abuse disorders

PTSD causes chronic stress responses that can lead to cardiovascular issues, sleep disorders, and other mental and physical health conditions.

Primary: Diabetes (Type 2)

Peripheral neuropathyErectile dysfunctionVision problemsKidney disease

Diabetes damages blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, commonly causing neuropathy, vision loss, kidney damage, and other complications.

Primary: Back injury

RadiculopathySciaticaBladder dysfunctionDepression / anxiety

Spinal injuries can compress nerves causing radiating pain and numbness, and chronic pain frequently leads to mental health conditions.

Primary: Tinnitus / hearing loss

MigrainesSleep disturbanceAnxietyDepression

Constant ringing or hearing loss creates chronic stress, disrupts sleep patterns, and frequently contributes to anxiety and depression.

Tips for Secondary Claims

  • Review your current service-connected conditions and consider whether any new health issues could be linked
  • Ask your treating physician whether your new condition could be related to your service-connected disability
  • Get a nexus letter that uses the phrase "at least as likely as not"
  • Include medical records showing the progression from primary to secondary condition
  • Consider both "caused by" and "aggravated by" — aggravation claims cover conditions that existed but were made worse

Official Resource

VA — How to File a Disability Claim