Commonly Overlooked Disabilities
Overview
Many veterans are unaware of the full range of conditions they can claim for VA disability compensation. There are a lot of things that you can claim that you might not be aware of.
Pro Tip: The VA won't tell you what to claim. They're not your advocate—you are. If it hurts, bothers you, or makes life harder, it might be ratable. This list is your starting point, not the finish line.
Common Overlooked Disabilities
| Disability | Description |
|---|---|
| Acne | Skin condition, especially chloracne from toxic exposure |
| Allergies (sinus/skin) | Chronic nasal issues or hives |
| Arthritis | Joint problems, can affect any joint |
| Asthma | Breathing difficulties |
| Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Nerve compression in wrist |
| Dry Eye Syndrome | Eye condition affecting tear production |
| Endometriosis | Tissue growth outside the uterus |
| Erectile Dysfunction (ED) | Sexual dysfunction, often secondary to other conditions |
| Female Sexual Arousal Disorder | Persistent inability to achieve arousal |
| Flat Feet (Pes Planus) | Structural foot condition |
| GERD | Acid reflux/heartburn |
| High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) | Elevated blood pressure |
| Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | Residual effects from head trauma |
| Headaches/Migraines | Chronic head pain, often secondary to TBI or other conditions |
| Hemorrhoids | Rectal condition |
| Herpes | Viral infection |
| Ingrown Toenail | Nail condition |
| Insomnia | Sleep difficulties, often secondary to mental health conditions |
| Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) | Digestive disorder |
| Mental Health Conditions | Anxiety, depression, PTSD, military sexual trauma |
| Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) | Razor bumps/barber's rash |
| Radiculopathy | Nerve pain radiating to extremities |
| Ovary Removal | Surgical removal |
| Uterus Removal | Surgical removal |
| Rhinitis | Nasal inflammation |
| Scarring | Visible wound marks, including surgical scars |
| Sleep Apnea | Breathing interruption during sleep |
| Tachycardia | Irregular/rapid heartbeat |
| TMJ Dysfunction | Jaw pain and dysfunction |
| Tinnitus | Ringing in ears |
Secondary Conditions
Veterans may also claim secondary conditions—disabilities caused by primary service-connected conditions. If your primary condition causes additional disabilities, those secondary conditions can be service-connected.
Common Secondary Relationships
- PTSD → Depression, anxiety, insomnia, erectile dysfunction, substance abuse
- Diabetes → Peripheral neuropathy, erectile dysfunction, kidney disease, vision problems
- Back conditions → Radiculopathy, sciatica, nerve damage
- Sleep apnea → Hypertension, heart conditions
- Knee conditions → Hip problems, back issues (from altered gait)
Important Notes
- Dental: Cavities cannot be claimed for disability compensation, but veterans can access dental healthcare through VA benefits
- Documentation: Even minor conditions should be documented during service for potential future claims
- No condition is too small: If it affects your daily life, it may be ratable
Related Resources
- Filing a VA Disability Claim
- Master Condition List (3,000+ claimable conditions)
- Rating Schedule Index
- Federal Benefits by Rating