Primary Or Secondary Rating

[shawn30]

What is the difference between Primary and Secondary Ratings?

If I have other medical issues that arise from a Primary, do I claim them as Secondary? Or do I claim them as another Primary?

thanks...

[sharon]

Secondary conditions arise from service connected conditions. They do not have to have direct connection to your military service.

[shawn30]

Do I file my claim as the secondary condition by itself? Or do I file the claim as secondary to my primary? For example, I have chronic kidney stones; which causes bladder dysfunction.

Would I write it as "I would like to file a claim for compensation due to bladder dysfunction." or "I would like to file a claim for compensation due to bladder dysfunction secondary to kidney stones." ? thanks...

[rdawg]

write it like this

I would like to file a claim for compensation due to bladder dysfunction secondary to my already service connected kidney stones.

[john999]

Your doctor has to say that the condition is secondary and explain why.

[shawn30]

This is what I have right now:

Chronic Kidney Stones-30%, Loss of Testicle with loss of function of the other-30%, Tinnitus-10%, and SMC for loss creative organ. 60% total.

0% - Chronic Epididymitis - orchitis

0% - Inguinal / ilio-inguinal nerve damage

0% - Inguinal Scarring

0% - Scrotum Scarring

Originally I was not rated for the 4 claims I currently have at 0%.

I filed for secondary for my 0% claims but they were denied due to the VA stating that they were already covered under the primary. Then the VA replied later stating that I was service connected for them and it was a clear and unmistakable error. They then sent me a letter showing the 4 items rated at 0%.

However, by reading through the Board of Appeals and looking for others with my same exact conditions; I found several appeals that were granted and rated at higher than 0%.

I sent additional medical records and letters from my private doctor along with the referenced docket numbers from the appeals that I found and asked them to re-consider my claims.

I haven't heard anything from the VA since I filed that claim in December 2010.