How Medication Side Effects Can Influence Your VA Disability Rating

When veterans think about VA disability compensation, they usually focus on the primary injuries or illnesses sustained during or after service—chronic back pain, PTSD, sleep apnea, and more. But what many veterans overlook is how the side effects of medications prescribed for those service-connected conditions can also qualify for additional disability compensation.

In this blog, we’ll break down how medication side effects come into play, when they qualify for secondary service connection, and how they may increase your overall VA rating. This is especially critical for veterans managing multiple conditions and long-term treatments.

The Overlooked Reality: Medications Create New Health Challenges

Thousands of veterans rely on daily medications to manage chronic physical or mental health issues. These include:

• Pain relievers (like opioids or NSAIDs)

• Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs)

• Sleep medications

• Anti-anxiety prescriptions

• Seizure medications

• Steroids

• Blood pressure drugs

While these medications often help with the core problem, they frequently bring a new set of side effects—some of which can be severe or life-altering.

Common side effects that may warrant secondary VA claims include:

• Weight gain or obesity

• Liver damage

• Sexual dysfunction

• Digestive disorders (GERD, constipation)

• Fatigue or cognitive dulling

• Tardive dyskinesia or tremors

• Kidney issues

• Skin conditions (rashes, acne, sensitivity)

• Dental deterioration (from dry mouth or acid reflux)

What Is a Secondary Service Connection?

A secondary service-connected condition is a disability that develops as a result of a primary service-connected disability—or its treatment. If the VA has already granted you benefits for a condition, and your medication for that condition causes a new health problem, you may be entitled to additional compensation.

VA’s Regulation:

According to 38 CFR § 3.310(a), a disability that is proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or injury shall be service connected. That includes side effects caused by treatments such as prescribed medication.

Real-World Example: Pain Medication and GERD

Consider a veteran with a 20% rating for service-connected back pain. They’re prescribed long-term NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen or naproxen. Over time, the veteran develops acid reflux (GERD)or even ulcers as a direct result of these medications.

With proper documentation and a nexus statement from a medical provider, the veteran could file a secondary claim for GERD. If granted, this could increase their combined disability rating—and thus, their monthly compensation.

Key Side Effects That Commonly Lead to Secondary Claims

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common medication side effects that can justify a VA claim:

1. Weight Gain and Obesity

• Caused by: Antidepressants, steroids, antipsychotics

• Risk: Obesity can in turn lead to secondary claims like sleep apnea, hypertension, or joint pain.

2. Gastrointestinal Issues

• Caused by: NSAIDs, antibiotics, certain mental health drugs

• Result: Chronic gastritis, GERD, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

3. Sexual Dysfunction

• Caused by: SSRIs, anti-anxiety meds, hypertension drugs

• Often underreported, but may qualify for special monthly compensation (SMC) if severe

4. Fatigue and Brain Fog

• Caused by: Antihistamines, pain meds, sedatives

• May contribute to functional impairment or mental health decline

5. Dental Conditions

• Caused by: Medications that cause chronic dry mouth or vomiting

• Result: Dental deterioration or oral infections—potential claims if it affects nutrition or hygiene

How to File a Secondary Claim for a Medication Side Effect

If you believe a medication is causing a new condition, here’s how to move forward:

Step 1: Get Diagnosed

Visit your VA doctor or private provider and get a formal diagnosis for the condition caused by the medication.

Step 2: Gather Medical Evidence

Ensure your VA medical records or private treatment notes link the new condition to the medication prescribed for a service-connected disability.

Step 3: Request a Nexus Letter

A medical professional should write a statement saying the new condition is “at least as likely as not” caused by your prescribed treatment.

Step 4: File Your Claim

Use VA Form 21-526EZ or submit through your VA.gov account. Clearly indicate that this is a secondary condition and specify the medication and primary condition it relates to.

Important Considerations

You Can’t Just Blame Any Symptom on Medication

The VA won’t award compensation for side effects unless:

• There’s clear medical documentation of the condition.

• The medication is prescribed for a service-connected disability.

• There’s a causal relationship between the treatment and the new condition.

Self-diagnosing or vague claims are likely to be denied.

Don’t Rely on the C&P Examiner Alone

While you will likely be scheduled for a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam, examiners don’t always dive deep into medication histories. Lay evidence, symptom journals, and a nexus letter can help fill in the gaps.

Commonly Overlooked Secondary Claims from Medications

Here are a few examples of service-connected issues and their possible medication side effects that could support a secondary claim:

Tips for Strengthening Your Claim

• Track your symptoms in a daily journal.

• Get support letters from spouses or caregivers describing the impact of the side effect.

• Highlight consistency in medical visits—frequent treatment adds credibility.

• Avoid speculative claims—make sure your conditions are professionally documented.

Final Thoughts: Every Impact Matters

Medications may help control your service-connected disability—but if they create new health problems, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Veterans are often eligible for additional compensation due to the secondary effects of required treatments. If your life has changed because of a drug prescribed by the VA or for a service-connected condition, you may be entitled to more support.

Understanding how the VA evaluates cause and effect in disability ratings is a crucial part of building a stronger, fairer claim. Don’t miss out on what you’ve earned—sometimes, the medication becomes a new battlefield.