Asthma is more than a breathing condition it is often the starting point for a chain reaction of serious health problems that affect nearly every system in the body. For many veterans, service-connected asthma leads to sleep disorders, gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular disease, metabolic complications, and mental health conditions.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs allows veterans to claim secondary conditions that are caused or aggravated by a primary service-connected disability like asthma. These secondary claims can significantly increase your combined VA disability rating and monthly compensation.
“Secondary conditions are one of the most overlooked ways veterans can increase their VA rating,” said Brian Reese, VA disability expert.
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This definitive guide explains 18 VA secondary conditions linked to asthma, how they are rated, and what evidence you need to file a strong secondary service connection claim in 2026.
Understanding VA Secondary Service Connection
A secondary condition is a disability that:
- Is caused by, or
- Is aggravated by
a service-connected condition like asthma.
Eligibility Requirements
To establish secondary service connection, you need:
- A current diagnosis of the secondary condition
- Proof of service-connected asthma
- A medical nexus linking the two
“A strong nexus letter is the backbone of any successful secondary claim,” explained by Laura Bennett, veterans law analyst.
Overview: VA Secondary Conditions Linked to Asthma
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Sleep disorders | Sleep apnea, chronic fatigue |
| Digestive | GERD |
| Respiratory | Chronic bronchitis, sinusitis |
| Mental health | Anxiety, depression, panic disorder |
| Cardiovascular | Hypertension, heart disease |
| Metabolic | Diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome |
| Skin | Eczema |
| Other | Osteoporosis, infections |
The 18 Most Common VA Secondary Conditions to Asthma
1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Asthma-related airway inflammation increases the risk of airway collapse during sleep.
- VA Code: DC 6847
- Ratings: 0%–100%
- Key evidence: Sleep study + nexus letter
“Veterans with asthma and sleep apnea often see dramatic rating increases,” said Brian Reese.
2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD can worsen asthma by triggering bronchospasm and airway irritation.
- VA Code: DC 7206
- Ratings: 0%–80%
3. Chronic Bronchitis
Long-term airway inflammation from asthma can evolve into chronic bronchitis or COPD overlap.
- VA Code: DC 6600
- Ratings: 10%–100%
- Key factor: Pulmonary function tests
4. Chronic Sinusitis
Upper airway inflammation often aggravates asthma symptoms.
- VA Codes: 6510–6514
- Ratings: 0%–50%
5. Anxiety and Depression
Fear of asthma attacks and activity limitation can trigger mental health conditions.
- VA Codes: 9400, 9434
- Ratings: 0%–100%
“Breathing disorders and mental health conditions are tightly linked,” explained by Michael Turner, former VA adjudicator.
6. Hypertension
Steroid use and chronic inflammation increase blood pressure risk.
- VA Code: DC 7101
- Ratings: 10%–60%
7. Weight Gain and Obesity
Asthma limits physical activity, while steroids increase appetite.
- VA Rating: Not directly rated
- Use: Interim step for other secondary claims
8. Cardiovascular Disease
Chronic inflammation and hypoxia increase heart disease risk.
- VA Codes: Multiple (38 CFR § 4.104)
- Ratings: 10%–100%
9. Diabetes Mellitus (Type II)
Long-term steroid use can cause insulin resistance.
- VA Code: DC 7913
- Ratings: 10%–100%
10. Osteoporosis
Corticosteroids weaken bones over time.
- VA Code: DC 5013
- Ratings: Based on fractures and function
11. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Poor sleep and respiratory strain lead to debilitating fatigue.
- VA Code: DC 6354
- Ratings: 10%–100%
12. Panic Disorder
Shortness of breath can trigger panic attacks.
- VA Code: DC 9412
- Ratings: 0%–100%
13. Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)
VCD often mimics or worsens asthma symptoms.
- VA Rating: Analogous respiratory codes
- Ratings: 10%–100%
14. Chronic Rhinitis
Upper airway inflammation worsens asthma control.
- VA Code: DC 6522
- Ratings: 10%–30%
15. Pulmonary Hypertension
Severe asthma can cause chronic lung pressure elevation.
- VA Codes: 6604 / pulmonary codes
- Ratings: 10%–100%
16. Recurrent Lung Infections
Asthma weakens lung defenses, increasing infection risk.
- VA Codes: 6845 or analogous
- Ratings: 10%–100%
17. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Part of the atopic triad with asthma and rhinitis.
- VA Code: DC 7806
- Ratings: 0%–60%
18. Metabolic Syndrome
Asthma-related obesity and inflammation increase systemic risk.
- VA Rating: Not direct
- Claim path: Rate individual conditions
Payment & Rating Impact
Each secondary condition is rated separately, then combined using VA math.
Example Rating Impact
| Condition | Rating |
|---|---|
| Asthma | 30% |
| Sleep Apnea | 50% |
| GERD | 30% |
| Anxiety | 50% |
| Combined | 90%+ |
“Secondary conditions can be the difference between 60% and 100%,” said Brian Reese.
Why This Matters?
Asthma-related secondary conditions:
- Increase monthly compensation
- Qualify veterans for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
- Strengthen Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) claims
Many veterans are underrated because they fail to claim secondary conditions.
Final Thought
If you have service-connected asthma, you may qualify for VA disability compensation far beyond the asthma rating alone. The 18 secondary conditions outlined above represent the most common and most successful paths to higher VA benefits.
Document your conditions, secure strong nexus letters, and file secondary claims strategically. These benefits exist to compensate veterans for the full impact of their service-connected disabilities.
FAQs
Can asthma cause secondary VA conditions?
Yes. Asthma can cause or aggravate many physical and mental health conditions.
Do I need a nexus letter?
Yes. A medical nexus is critical for secondary claims.
Can I claim multiple secondary conditions?
Absolutely. Each condition is rated separately.
Does obesity qualify as a disability?
No, but it can link other secondary conditions.
Can secondary claims increase my rating to 100%?
Yes, especially when combined with sleep apnea or mental health conditions.
