Condition secondary to more than 1 service connected disabilities.

[mwillis71]

Hello,

I am service connected for sleep apnea, ptsd, anxiety and more. I have GERD which I believe is secondary to anxiety, ptsd and sleep apnea.  However, when applying for a secondary condition, you can only link it to 1 existing disability. My chances of getting it approved would be higher if I could link it all together. Is there a way to do that or should I file multiple claims for secondary to each disability? 

[GBArmy]

Hi mwillis71 Welcome to hadit. If you feel that there is more than one you can make it secondary to, pick the strongest one. Since it is secondary, you need a doctor's opinion of the cause and relationship. I'd go to a specialist and and get a diagnosis that links them. Must have medical evidence for secondary; get an IMO if you can. Hint: look up any meds you take that cause stomach issues ex. aspirin. Studies how it can cause GERD. Maybe meds for MH you take?

 

[blahsaysme2u]

just do the one that is most likely based on your medical records. and you can submit VA 4138 later explaining links to others if necessary. what i would do anyways. others with more experience might have different plan. lets see what they say

[pwrslm]

Hello,

Just put in "see attached lay statement" in the box instead of what SC would be. Then just make a statement right up front just like you did here. That will communicate that you are making the claim with all of these conditions so they must consider all of them.

[GBArmy]

Good advise by all but I must emphasise that it is a secondary claim. You must have a doctor's opinion that a preexisting service-connected condition is the direct cause of new condition. A causes B; no matter how much common sense it is, if you don't have the doc's statement, no tickie no laundry LMHO.

[Vync]

Keep in mind that GERD can also be caused by heliobactor pylori infection in the stomach which is treatable. If that's not the cause, then consider checking the side effects list of any meds you were given for SC conditions. For example, long term NSAID is known to cause GERD and other issues. If you are like most of us, we were given motrin or ibuprofen regularly during and after the service.

[mwillis71]

All very solid advice everyone. It is greatly appreciated!