Chronic pain is one of the most misunderstood yet life-altering challenges veterans face after military service. For many, the pain never fully fades. Instead, it becomes a constant presence that affects mobility, sleep, employment, and even relationships. While the Department of Veterans Affairs does not assign a single diagnostic code for “chronic pain,” veterans can still receive VA disability compensation when pain is tied to a service-connected condition.
According to Brian Reese, “Chronic pain is rarely denied because it doesn’t exist. Claims are denied because veterans don’t show what causes the pain or how it affects their daily functioning.”
This guide explains how the VA evaluates chronic pain in 2026, how to qualify for benefits, which secondary conditions matter most, and how to appeal if your claim is denied.
Chronic Pain in Veterans: Why It Matters
Chronic pain in veterans is often linked to combat injuries, repetitive strain, training accidents, or exposure-related illnesses. Unlike acute pain, chronic pain lasts for months or years and can worsen over time.
Veterans with chronic pain frequently report:
- Sleep disruption and fatigue
- Reduced ability to work or concentrate
- Depression, anxiety, or mood changes
- Social withdrawal and strained relationships
“Chronic pain isn’t just physical. Over time, it rewires how the brain processes stress, sleep, and emotion,” explains Reese.
Can You Get VA Disability for Chronic Pain?
Yes, but not directly.
The VA does not award a standalone “chronic pain rating.” Instead, the VA rates:
- The underlying condition causing the pain, or
- Secondary conditions caused by chronic pain
For example:
- Back injury → rated under the spine criteria
- Knee arthritis → rated under joint limitation
- Chronic pain causing depression → secondary mental health rating
Your final VA rating depends on frequency, severity, duration, and how symptoms affect work, life, and social functioning.
How the VA Rates Chronic Pain?
| Rating Path | How the VA Evaluates It |
|---|---|
| Primary condition | Back, neck, joint, nerve, or muscle ratings |
| Secondary condition | Depression, anxiety, sleep disorders |
| Functional loss | Reduced mobility, endurance, concentration |
| Work impact | Missed work, job loss, accommodations |
| Medical evidence | Exams, imaging, nexus letters |
Eligibility Rules for Chronic Pain VA Claims
To receive VA disability compensation related to chronic pain, all three elements must be present:
- Current diagnosis of a condition causing pain
- In-service event, injury, or illness
- Medical nexus linking service to the condition
“Pain alone isn’t enough. The VA wants to see what’s broken and why military service caused or worsened it,” says Reese.
How to File a VA Claim for Chronic Pain?
Step-by-Step Process
- Gather Medical Evidence
Include diagnoses, imaging results, treatment records, and prescriptions. - Secure a Nexus Letter (If Needed)
A medical opinion linking your condition to service can be decisive. - Complete VA Form 21-526EZ
Clearly describe symptoms and daily limitations. - Submit the Claim
File online, by mail, or in person at a VA office. - Attend C&P Exams
The VA may schedule exams to assess severity and functional impact.
C&P Exams for Chronic Pain
Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams are often the turning point in chronic pain claims.
During the exam, the examiner evaluates:
- Range of motion
- Pain with movement
- Flare-ups and frequency
- Impact on work and daily life
“If you minimize your pain at the exam, the VA will minimize your rating,” Reese cautions.
Secondary Conditions Linked to Chronic Pain
Chronic pain frequently leads to secondary disabilities, which can significantly increase compensation.
Common secondary claims include:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Somatic symptom disorder
- Fatigue syndromes
Filing secondary claims is often the fastest way to increase a combined VA rating.
Payment & Rating Impact (Example)
| Condition Type | Typical VA Rating Range |
|---|---|
| Back pain | 10% – 100% |
| Joint arthritis | 10% – 60% |
| Radiculopathy | 10% – 90% |
| Depression (secondary) | 30% – 70% |
| Somatic symptom disorder | 30% – 70% |
What If Your Chronic Pain Claim Is Denied?
If denied, do not give up.
Veterans with decisions dated after February 19, 2019 can choose one of three appeal lanes:
- Supplemental Claim – submit new evidence
- Higher-Level Review – request senior review
- Board of Veterans’ Appeals – formal appeal
“Most chronic pain wins happen on appeal, not the first try,” Reese notes.
Why Chronic Pain Claims Matter?
Chronic pain claims often unlock:
- Higher combined disability ratings
- Eligibility for TDIU
- Access to expanded VA healthcare
- Long-term financial stability
The VA recognizes functional loss, not just diagnoses. Showing how pain limits your ability to live and work is essential.
Final Thought
Chronic pain may feel invisible, but its impact is undeniable. Even without a dedicated diagnostic code, veterans can and do receive VA disability compensation when pain is tied to service-connected conditions or leads to secondary disabilities.
If your pain affects your ability to work, sleep, or function normally, your claim deserves serious consideration. Persistence, evidence, and proper framing make all the difference.
FAQs
Is there a VA disability rating for chronic pain itself?
No. The VA rates the condition causing the pain or secondary conditions resulting from it.
Is chronic pain a presumptive condition?
Not by itself, but some pain-causing conditions may be presumptive.
What secondary conditions can I claim for chronic pain?
Depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, fatigue, and somatic symptom disorder.
What if my claim is denied?
You can file a Supplemental Claim, request Higher-Level Review, or appeal to the Board.
Can chronic pain qualify me for TDIU?
Yes, if it prevents substantially gainful employment.
