PTSD and Possible Secondary VA Claims: What Evidence Actually Matters
Veterans sometimes research whether another diagnosed condition could be caused or aggravated by an already service-connected condition such as PTSD. The key point is that association is not proof of secondary service connection.
What VA looks for
For a secondary claim, VA says you generally need evidence of the new condition and evidence of a link to an already service-connected disability. That link is usually supported by medical records or a medical opinion.
Medication and treatment effects
If medication or treatment is part of the theory, organize the actual medication history, dose changes, documented side effects, treatment timeline, and clinician notes. Do not assume that a known possible side effect proves what happened in your individual case.
Aggravation is different from causation
A condition may be claimed as aggravated by a service-connected disability even when the service-connected disability did not originally cause it. The evidence should clearly address which theory applies.
Avoid rating shortcuts
Do not choose a secondary-claim theory because a condition has a high possible rating. Diagnosis, service connection, and evaluation percentage are separate questions.