Secondary VA disability conditions
105 pairs, grouped by the condition claimed as secondary. Each links to a page on how that condition can be service-connected as secondary to the one before it.
38 CFR § 3.310(a): “Except as provided in § 3.300(c), disability which is proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or injury shall be service connected. When service connection is thus established for a secondary condition, the secondary condition shall be considered a part of the original condition.”
Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) as a secondary condition
How VA rates Major Depressive Disorder (DC 9434)
- Depression secondary to Amputation of All Five Digits of One Hand
Loss of limb function
- Depression secondary to Amputation of Thigh at Middle or Lower Third
Often triggered by life adjustment and mobility loss
- Depression secondary to Amputation of Thigh at Upper Third
Amputation can severely affect mental health and self-image
- Depression secondary to Ankylosis of the Index Finger
Frustration from hand dysfunction
- Depression secondary to Ankylosis of Thumb
Loss of hand function affects quality of life
- Depression secondary to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Chronic fatigue often leads to emotional distress.
- Depression secondary to Complete Amputation of the Upper Extremity
Loss of limb function
- Depression secondary to Degenerative Arthritis
Chronic pain impacts quality of life
- Depression secondary to Dermatitis or Eczema
Visible skin conditions can affect self-esteem
- Depression secondary to Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck
Self-image challenges
- Depression secondary to Elbow Replacement (Prosthesis)
May result from limited mobility post-surgery.
- Depression secondary to Epilepsy, Grand Mal (Convulsive Disorder)
- Depression secondary to Erectile Dysfunction, With or Without Penile Deformity
Impact on self-esteem and relationships
- Depression secondary to Fibromyalgia
Chronic pain interferes with quality of life
- Depression secondary to Foot Injuries, Other
Chronic pain and loss of mobility
- Depression secondary to Glaucoma
- Depression secondary to Hand, Loss of Use
Loss of independence
- Depression secondary to Hepatitis C
- Depression secondary to Hip Replacement (Prosthetic)
Chronic pain and reduced mobility can impact mood
- Depression secondary to Ilioinguinal Nerve, Paralysis
Chronic pelvic pain
- Depression secondary to Impairment of Central Visual Acuity
Impaired vision impacts lifestyle
- Depression secondary to Loss of use of both feet
- Depression secondary to Loss of Use of Both Hands
Loss of independence
- Depression secondary to Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
Chronic pain and reduced mobility can impact mental health.
- Depression secondary to Lupus Vulgaris (Cutaneous Tuberculosis)
Visible skin deformities can lead to social isolation and mood disorders.
- Depression secondary to Malignant Neoplasms of the Genitourinary System (Including Prostate Cancer)
- Depression secondary to Migraine
Chronic pain and unpredictability of attacks
- Depression secondary to Narcolepsy
- Depression secondary to Other Specified Forms of Arthritis
Chronic pain
- Depression secondary to Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve
Due to chronic pain and limited mobility
- Depression secondary to Penis, Removal of Half or More
Psychological impact
- Depression secondary to Prostate Gland Injuries
Quality of life issues
- Depression secondary to Retinopathy and Maculopathy (Including Retinitis)
- Depression secondary to Sacroiliac Injury and Weakness
- Depression secondary to Sciatic Nerve, Neuritis
Chronic pain impact
- Depression secondary to Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Social isolation from hearing difficulty
- Depression secondary to Shoulder Replacement (Prosthesis)
May result from limited mobility post-surgery.
- Depression secondary to Spinal Fusion
Chronic pain or loss of mobility
- Depression secondary to Testis, removal
- Depression secondary to Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger’s Disease)
Chronic pain and disability
- Depression secondary to Thyroiditis
Hormonal changes affect mood
- Depression secondary to Tics, Convulsive
Social stigma or frustration
- Depression secondary to Ulcerative Colitis
Linked to long-term chronic illness
- Depression secondary to Wrist Replacement (Prosthesis)
May result from limited mobility post-surgery.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) as a secondary condition
How VA rates Hypertension (DC 7101)
- High Blood Pressure secondary to Aortic Aneurysm
- High Blood Pressure secondary to Chronic renal disease
- High Blood Pressure secondary to Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Often coexists and worsens CAD
- High Blood Pressure secondary to Interstitial Nephritis
Caused by kidney dysfunction
- High Blood Pressure secondary to Kidney removal (nephrectomy)
- High Blood Pressure secondary to Nephritis, chronic
- High Blood Pressure secondary to Sleep Apnea Syndromes
Frequently linked to sleep disturbances
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) as a secondary condition
How VA rates Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) (DC 7206)
- GERD secondary to Bronchial Asthma
Reflux can trigger asthma symptoms
- GERD secondary to Chronic Gastritis (Including H. pylori and Drug-Induced Gastritis)
Weakened stomach lining
- GERD secondary to Hiatal Hernia
Often a primary symptom
- GERD secondary to Peptic Ulcer Disease (Gastric, Duodenal, and Marginal Ulcers)
Often co-occurs
- GERD secondary to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Can result from chronic stress
- GERD secondary to Scleroderma
Esophageal dysfunction due to skin tightening
Sleep Apnea (Sleep Apnea Syndromes) as a secondary condition
How VA rates Sleep Apnea Syndromes (DC 6847)
- Sleep Apnea secondary to Deviated nasal septum
- Sleep Apnea secondary to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD can cause airway irritation during sleep
- Sleep Apnea secondary to Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety contributes to poor sleep and airway obstruction.
- Sleep Apnea secondary to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD increases sleep disturbance
- Sleep Apnea secondary to Rhinitis, Allergic or Vasomotor
- Sleep Apnea secondary to Sinusitis, chronic pansinusitis
Back or Neck Strain (Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain) as a secondary condition
How VA rates Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain (DC 5237)
- Back or Neck Strain secondary to Ankylosis of the Scapulohumeral Articulation (Shoulder Joint)
Compensating for shoulder immobility
- Back or Neck Strain secondary to Arm, Limitation of Motion
Compensating for limited motion
- Back or Neck Strain secondary to Muscle Group I - Shoulder Girdle Muscles (Trapezius, Levator Scapulae)
- Back or Neck Strain secondary to Muscle Group XXII - Muscles of front of neck
Plantar Fasciitis as a secondary condition
How VA rates Plantar Fasciitis (DC 5269)
- Plantar Fasciitis secondary to Ankle, Limitation of Motion
Compensation strain on feet
- Plantar Fasciitis secondary to Flatfoot, Acquired
Arch strain
- Plantar Fasciitis secondary to Muscle Group X - Intrinsic Muscles of the Foot
Altered gait
- Plantar Fasciitis secondary to Tarsal or Metatarsal Bones, Malunion or Nonunion of
Foot instability may lead to strain on the fascia
Tinnitus as a secondary condition
How VA rates Tinnitus (DC 6260)
- Tinnitus secondary to Chronic Nonsuppurative Otitis Media (Serous Otitis Media)
- Tinnitus secondary to Chronic Otitis Externa
- Tinnitus secondary to Chronic Otitis Media
Chronic infection may irritate the inner ear
- Tinnitus secondary to Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Often co-occurs due to inner ear damage
Migraine as a secondary condition
How VA rates Migraine (DC 8100)
- Migraine secondary to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Often triggered by PTSD stress
- Migraine secondary to Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Head trauma frequently leads to chronic headaches.
- Migraine secondary to Visual Field Defects (Loss of Visual Field)
Ocular strain
Chronic renal disease as a secondary condition
How VA rates Chronic renal disease (DC 7530)
- Chronic renal disease secondary to Hypertension
Elevated pressure harms kidney filtration
- Chronic renal disease secondary to Kidney removal (nephrectomy)
Erectile Dysfunction (Erectile Dysfunction, With or Without Penile Deformity) as a secondary condition
How VA rates Erectile Dysfunction, With or Without Penile Deformity (DC 7522)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) as a secondary condition
How VA rates Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) (DC 7319)
- IBS secondary to Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Chronic stress and anxiety can disrupt gut function.
- IBS secondary to Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia
Anxiety and panic can trigger gastrointestinal issues.
Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) as a secondary condition
Osteoporosis as a secondary condition
How VA rates Osteoporosis (DC 5013)
- Osteoporosis secondary to Ankylosing Spondylitis
Chronic inflammation increases bone loss risk
- Osteoporosis secondary to Hyperthyroidism
Due to hormone imbalance
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a secondary condition
How VA rates Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (DC 9411)
- PTSD secondary to Amputation of Arm, Below Insertion of Deltoid
Trauma from injury
- PTSD secondary to Residuals of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI often coexists with psychological trauma.
Spinal Stenosis as a secondary condition
How VA rates Spinal Stenosis (DC 5238)
- Spinal Stenosis secondary to Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
Advanced arthritis can contribute to canal narrowing.
- Spinal Stenosis secondary to Sciatic Nerve, Neuritis
Common cause
Barrett's Esophagus as a secondary condition
How VA rates Barrett's Esophagus (DC 7207)
- Barrett's Esophagus secondary to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Chronic acid exposure damages esophagus lining
Bronchial Asthma as a secondary condition
How VA rates Bronchial Asthma (DC 6602)
- Bronchial Asthma secondary to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Stomach acid reflux can irritate airways
Chronic Liver Disease Without Cirrhosis as a secondary condition
How VA rates Chronic Liver Disease Without Cirrhosis (DC 7345)
- Chronic Liver Disease Without Cirrhosis secondary to Malaria
DC 6304’s Note (2) names liver damage among the residuals to rate under the appropriate body system.
Cirrhosis of the Liver as a secondary condition
Degenerative Arthritis as a secondary condition
Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine as a secondary condition
How VA rates Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine (DC 5242)
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine secondary to Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
Chronic strain and altered mechanics can accelerate joint degeneration over time.
Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) as a secondary condition
How VA rates Diabetes Mellitus (DC 7913)
- Diabetes secondary to Pancreatitis, Chronic
Pancreas affects insulin
Fibromyalgia as a secondary condition
How VA rates Fibromyalgia (DC 5025)
- Fibromyalgia secondary to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Fatigue may coexist or be confused with muscle pain syndromes.
Glaucoma as a secondary condition
How VA rates Glaucoma (DC 6013)
- Glaucoma secondary to Uveitis (Choroiditis/Iritis)
Chronic inflammation can increase intraocular pressure.
Hemorrhoids as a secondary condition
How VA rates Hemorrhoids (DC 7336)
- Hemorrhoids secondary to Rectum and Anus, Stricture
Straining due to blockage
Hydronephrosis as a secondary condition
Uveitis (Choroiditis/Iritis) as a secondary condition
How VA rates Uveitis (Choroiditis/Iritis) (DC 6000)
- Uveitis (Choroiditis/Iritis) secondary to Ankylosing Spondylitis
Linked to autoimmune nature of ankylosing spondylitis
Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation as a secondary condition
How VA rates Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation (DC 5235)
- Vertebral Fracture or Dislocation secondary to Osteoporosis
Weakened bones break easily in the spine