Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 6354
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 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) when it develops after Scars, Deep and Nonlinear.
Chronic scar pain
Primary condition · VASRD 7801
Scars, Deep and Nonlinear
Thick scars that are deep below skin or have irregular shape, often painful or limiting motion.
Secondary condition · VASRD 6354
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
CFS causes persistent fatigue not improved by rest and worsened by physical or mental activity.
The VA rates Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Scars, Deep and Nonlinear — severity of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) itself determines the percentage.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | You can’t perform any regular activity due to extreme fatigue. |
| 60% | You're only able to function about half the time due to fatigue. |
| 40% | Significant exhaustion that limits what you can do most days. |
| 20% | Chronic tiredness that limits your lifestyle and function. |
| 10% | Occasional fatigue that interferes with daily tasks. |
Example combined rating
20% Scars, Deep and Nonlinear + 40% Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) = 52%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 20% and 40% combine to 52%, not 60%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
Primary condition
Full Scars, Deep and Nonlinear guide
Secondary condition
Full Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) guide
See how Scars, Deep and Nonlinear and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
Open the calculator