VA disability claims glossary

Secondary service connection

Secondary service connection recognizes a disability that was caused or aggravated by a service connected disability.

Published 2026-04-02

Common fact patterns

Veterans discuss links between mental health and sleep, pain and mental health, and medication side effects. Each claim needs individualized medical support.

Evidence

Diagnosis, treatment timeline, and a reasoned medical opinion help. Lay statements support observable worsening but rarely replace medical proof of causation.

Rating

Once service connected, the secondary condition is rated under the same schedules as direct conditions.

More resources

Try the VA disability calculator, browse VA condition guides, or read in-depth articles.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Rating criteria are summarized from publicly available 38 CFR regulations. Consult a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or VA-accredited attorney for advice on your specific claim.

Questions about this term

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