Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 9411
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) when it develops after Amputation of Arm, Below Insertion of Deltoid.
Trauma from injury
Primary condition · VASRD 5123
Amputation of Arm, Below Insertion of Deltoid
Amputation of arm just below the shoulder, impacting most upper limb function.
Secondary condition · VASRD 9411
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a mental health issue caused by a traumatic event, leading to flashbacks, anxiety, or nightmares.
The VA rates Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Amputation of Arm, Below Insertion of Deltoid — severity of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) itself determines the percentage.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | You can't work or function in daily life due to PTSD symptoms. |
| 70% | Severe PTSD that makes it hard to keep a job or relationships. |
| 50% | Moderate PTSD that causes regular issues at work or home. |
| 30% | Mild to moderate PTSD symptoms that sometimes affect your work. |
| 10% | PTSD symptoms show up during stress or are managed by meds. |
Example combined rating
85% Amputation of Arm, Below Insertion of Deltoid + 70% Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) = 100%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 85% and 70% combine to 100%, not 155%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
Primary condition
Full Amputation of Arm, Below Insertion of Deltoid guide
Secondary condition
Full Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) guide
See how Amputation of Arm, Below Insertion of Deltoid and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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