Skip to content

August 28, 2023

How to File a Secondary VA Claim Online (4-Step Process)

Last updated on May 9, 2024

I hope you enjoy reading this blog post.

If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert.


Looking for Expert-Level VA Claim Help?📱Call Us Now! 737-295-2226

Today, Brian Reese the VA Claims Insider explains the 4-step process of how to file a secondary VA claim online.

Before you get started with VA disability secondary conditions, it’s highly recommended you start gathering the following documents:

Okay, let’s explore how to file a VA claim online for secondary service connection!

How to File a Secondary VA Claim Online in 4 Steps

How to File a Secondary VA Claim Online in 4 Steps
How to File a VA Disability Claim Online VA Form 21 526EZ

By clicking the button to start the disability application, you’ll automatically declare your intent to file.

This will reserve a potential effective date for when you could start getting benefits.

You have one year (365 days) from the day you submit your intent to file to complete your VA disability benefits application.

If you don’t have a notice of intent to file open already, do it now to secure your backpay from the VA decision date back to the date you opened the intent to file.

If you already have an intent to file open, just click the “continue your application” button.

Step #2: Ensure your non-service connected secondary disability condition is medical diagnosed and that the primary disability condition is service connected at 0% or higher

Check Your Service Connected Disability Conditions Using the Dropdown on VA.gov

Let’s say you’re thinking about filing a secondary claim for Headaches Secondary to Tinnitus and PTSD.

First, you need to make sure you have a medical diagnosis of Headaches in a medical record (e.g., service treatment records, VA medical records, or private medical records).

Second, you need to make sure Tinnitus and PTSD are service connected at 0% or higher (you can simply look inside your VA.gov account to see the conditions that are service connected).

Upload Your Nexus Letter to VA.gov and Click Continue

You must have “Medical Nexus Evidence” establishing a link or connection between the secondary disability and the primary disability.

In the example above, I should obtain a high-quality Nexus Letter from a private healthcare provider showing the link or connection between Headaches and Tinnitus and PTSD.

Your Nexus Letter should cite relevant medical research studies and BVA case examples to help support the private healthcare providers conclusion and nexus statement.

Step #4: File the non-service connected secondary disability condition secondary to the primary service connected disability in VA.gov

How to File a Secondary VA Claim Online

Once you have your medical records and Nexus Letter, you’re ready to file your Fully Developed Claim (FDC) on VA.gov.

In Step #2 of 5 on VA.gov, you’ll want to select “my disability was caused by another service-connected disability I already have.”

Next, select the primary disability that you’re connecting your secondary condition to.

You can only select one, so pick the strongest connection from your Nexus Letter and explain anything else in the freeform text box, to include your attached Nexus Letter, of how and why the disability you selected caused your new disability.

About the Author

Brian Reese
Brian Reese

Brian Reese

Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.

A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.

Related Articles

Elite Membership

Dear Veteran,
Here’s the brutal truth about VA disability claims:

According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA…

This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month.

As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and I’m on a mission to change it.

Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider.

Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time.

If accepted into our ELITE membership program, you’ll get up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time.

Click “Go Elite Now” below to complete our 3-step intake process.

  1. Complete Basic Information
  2. Sign Members Agreement
  3. Join the Mastermind Group

If you’re stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you!

Click “Go Elite Now” below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes.

Go Elite Now!

Why Choose VA Claims Insider

You’ve exhausted your free resources

You're not alone. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you.

Veteran Community

You’re ready to get the rating you deserve

We know the pain of feeling stuck, frustrated, and alone, and we want to make this process as easy and painless as possible for you.

Explore Elite Membership

We win ONLY when YOU win

Hear from fellow Veterans just like you, with many of our Veteran Ambassadors having gone through our programs.

Schedule a Call

Fellow Veterans:

For a limited time, you can book a no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts.

Book A Call

Fellow Veterans:

For a limited time, you can book a no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts.

Book A Call