Most Veterans are aware of the process of filing for primary service-connected disability benefits, which are awarded for injuries or conditions that were incurred as a result of active-duty military service. If a veteran’s service-connected condition causes or leads to a separate illness or disability, this is called a secondary service-connected condition. A Veteran may have conditions that were caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability. A Veteran wishing to file a claim for a secondary service-connected condition will follow the same process as filing for any other initial claim. This will include filling out and submitting a VA Form 21-526EZ or using the eBenefits Portal on the VA Website.
In order to prove a secondary service connection, the Veteran will need certain evidence to submit alongside their claim in order to be granted service connection for a secondary condition. First, the Veteran will need a current diagnosis of the secondary injury, illness, or disability. The Veteran will also need medical evidence showing a link between your service-connected disability and the secondary condition.
If you have any questions about secondary service-connected disability benefits or have been denied a claim for a secondary service-connected condition, the qualified Veterans’ Disability attorneys at Gardberg and Kemmerly want to help in any way possible. Please call our office and speak with one of our qualified Veterans’ Disability attorneys. Gardberg and Kemmerly is committed to helping injured and disabled Veterans obtain the benefits they deserve. If you need help with a disability claim, call our office at 251-343-1111 or 800-332-1529 for a free consultation. Gardberg and Kemmerly is proud to serve Veterans across the country from our home office in Mobile, Alabama. We would love an opportunity to discuss your claim.