When Navy veterans in Florida think about filing for VA disability benefits, they often focus on their primary service-connected conditions, such as injuries sustained during their service or illnesses directly related to their time in the Navy. However, many veterans overlook the fact that they may be eligible for additional compensation for secondary conditions—medical issues that arise due to or are aggravated by a primary service-connected disability. Failing to recognize these secondary conditions can leave veterans without the full benefits they deserve.

At Warrior Allegiance Florida, we help Navy veterans navigate the VA disability claims process, ensuring they are aware of and compensated for both their primary and secondary conditions. In this blog, we’ll explore what secondary conditions are, some of the most commonly overlooked secondary conditions for Navy veterans, and how Warrior Allegiance Florida can assist veterans in filing claims for these often-ignored conditions.

What Are Secondary Conditions?
A secondary condition is a medical issue that is caused or worsened by a primary service-connected disability. For example, if a veteran has a service-connected back injury, they might develop additional problems such as hip pain, arthritis, or even mental health issues like depression due to the chronic pain and physical limitations caused by the back injury.

The VA allows veterans to file claims for secondary conditions, and these claims can increase a veteran’s overall disability rating, leading to higher compensation and greater access to VA benefits. However, many veterans either aren’t aware of this option or don’t know how to connect these secondary conditions to their primary disability when filing their claims.

Commonly Overlooked Secondary Conditions for Navy Veterans
Navy veterans may experience a wide range of secondary conditions depending on their primary service-connected disability. Below are some of the most commonly overlooked secondary conditions that Florida Navy veterans should be aware of when filing for VA benefits.

1. Mental Health Disorders
One of the most frequently overlooked secondary conditions is the development of mental health disorders. Veterans with physical injuries or chronic illnesses may experience depression, anxiety, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of their primary condition. The daily stress of living with chronic pain, physical limitations, or reduced quality of life can take a toll on a veteran’s mental health.

For example, a Navy veteran who sustained a serious back injury may develop depression or anxiety over time due to their inability to work or participate in activities they once enjoyed. The mental health condition, although secondary to the back injury, can have a significant impact on the veteran’s life and should be considered when filing a VA claim.

At Warrior Allegiance Florida, we help veterans gather the necessary medical evidence to support claims for mental health conditions as secondary disabilities, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve for these often-ignored issues.

2. Arthritis and Joint Pain
Arthritis and joint pain are common secondary conditions for veterans who have sustained musculoskeletal injuries. Veterans with service-connected knee, hip, or back injuries are at an increased risk of developing arthritis or experiencing pain in other parts of their body due to changes in posture, gait, or the way they move to compensate for the injured joint.

For instance, a Navy veteran with a service-connected knee injury may begin to experience pain in their hips or lower back because they have adjusted the way they walk to avoid putting pressure on the injured knee. Over time, this compensation can lead to arthritis or other joint issues, which can significantly impact mobility and quality of life.

Filing for compensation for arthritis or joint pain as a secondary condition can increase a veteran’s overall disability rating. Warrior Allegiance Florida works with veterans to gather medical documentation and submit claims for these secondary musculoskeletal conditions.

3. Sleep Disorders
Veterans with physical or mental health conditions often experience sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep apnea, as a secondary result of their primary disability. Chronic pain, anxiety, and PTSD can all disrupt sleep, leading to long-term sleep problems that further affect a veteran’s health and well-being.

For example, a Navy veteran who suffers from PTSD may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to nightmares or anxiety. Similarly, veterans with chronic pain from a physical injury may struggle to get comfortable at night, leading to insomnia. Sleep disorders are often overlooked during the VA disability claims process, but they can have a significant impact on daily functioning and should be considered when filing for VA benefits.

At Warrior Allegiance Florida, we help veterans identify and document sleep disorders as secondary conditions, ensuring that these issues are properly evaluated by the VA.

4. Hypertension and Heart Disease
Hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart disease are common secondary conditions for veterans with chronic pain, mental health issues, or other service-connected disabilities. The stress and physical toll of managing a primary disability can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular issues over time.

For instance, veterans with chronic pain may experience elevated blood pressure due to the constant stress their body is under. Similarly, veterans with PTSD or anxiety may have higher levels of stress hormones, which can contribute to heart disease or other cardiovascular problems.

Because hypertension and heart disease can be serious, life-threatening conditions, it’s important for veterans to recognize these issues as potential secondary disabilities and file for compensation accordingly. Warrior Allegiance Florida assists veterans in gathering the necessary medical evidence to link these cardiovascular conditions to their service-connected disabilities.

5. Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal issues, such as ulcers, acid reflux, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can develop as a secondary condition to service-connected disabilities. Veterans who take medications for pain management, anxiety, or other conditions may experience gastrointestinal side effects as a result of long-term medication use.

For example, a Navy veteran with chronic pain may be prescribed painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications that, over time, lead to the development of ulcers or acid reflux. Similarly, veterans with PTSD or anxiety may develop IBS due to the stress associated with their condition.

These gastrointestinal issues can affect a veteran’s overall health and should be included as secondary conditions when filing a VA disability claim. Warrior Allegiance Florida helps veterans gather medical documentation and file claims for gastrointestinal issues related to their primary disabilities.

How to File a Secondary VA Disability Claim
Filing a secondary VA disability claim follows a similar process to filing for a primary condition, but there are some key differences that veterans should be aware of. Here are the steps involved in filing a secondary claim:

1. Gather Comprehensive Medical Evidence
To file a successful secondary claim, veterans must provide medical evidence that links their secondary condition to their primary service-connected disability. This evidence includes:

Current Medical Records: Updated medical records should document the secondary condition and demonstrate its connection to the primary disability. For example, if you have developed arthritis due to a service-connected knee injury, your medical records should show how the knee injury led to the development of arthritis.

Nexus Letter: A nexus letter from a healthcare provider is essential for proving the connection between the primary and secondary conditions. The letter should explain how the secondary condition developed or was aggravated by the primary disability.

At Warrior Allegiance Florida, we assist veterans in gathering the necessary medical evidence to support their secondary claims.

2. Complete VA Form 21-526EZ
To officially file a secondary claim, veterans must complete VA Form 21-526EZ, the Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. Veterans should include detailed information about their secondary condition and explain how it is related to their primary service-connected disability.

3. Attend the Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam
After submitting a secondary claim, the VA will likely schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to evaluate the severity of the secondary condition and its connection to the primary disability. Veterans should be prepared to describe how the secondary condition affects their daily life and bring any relevant medical documentation to the exam.

At Warrior Allegiance Florida, we provide veterans with guidance on how to prepare for the C&P exam and effectively communicate the impact of their secondary condition.

How Warrior Allegiance Florida Supports Veterans with Secondary Claims
At Warrior Allegiance Florida, we are dedicated to helping Navy veterans in Florida maximize their VA disability compensation by filing claims for both primary and secondary conditions. Our team provides expert guidance throughout the claims process, including:

Comprehensive Case Review: We review your service history and medical records to identify potential secondary conditions that may be eligible for compensation.
Assistance with Medical Evidence: We help veterans gather the necessary medical documentation, including nexus letters, to support their secondary claims.
C&P Exam Preparation: We provide guidance on how to prepare for the C&P exam and ensure that veterans are ready to effectively communicate the impact of their secondary condition.
Conclusion
Secondary conditions are often overlooked by veterans when filing VA disability claims, but they can significantly impact a veteran’s health and quality of life. By filing for compensation for these secondary conditions, veterans can increase their overall disability rating and receive the full benefits they deserve.

At Warrior Allegiance Florida, we are committed to helping Navy veterans in Florida navigate the VA claims process and file successful claims for both primary and secondary conditions. If you are a Navy veteran and believe you may have secondary conditions related to your service-connected disability, contact Warrior Allegiance Florida today. Let us help you secure the compensation you’ve earned through your service.