Most veterans focus on the direct conditions linked to their military service when they think about their VA disability claim. They often overlook the unintended consequences of the medications prescribed to manage those service-connected conditions. These side effects can be life-altering, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes that they may entitle you to secondary service connection and additional compensation.
Leah Bucholz explores how veterans can qualify for VA disability benefits due to medication side effects, what types of conditions are commonly linked, and how to support claims that the VA is more likely to approve.
Table of Contents
What Are VA-Recognized Medication Side Effects?
Under 38 CFR 3.310, the VA acknowledges that disabilities caused by treatment for a service-connected condition—including prescribed medications—can themselves qualify as compensable secondary conditions.
That means if a medication prescribed for your already service-connected disability leads to a new illness, injury, or aggravates an existing problem, you may be eligible for additional compensation.
For example:
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Long-term use of pain medication that damages your stomach lining.
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Antidepressants that result in sexual dysfunction.
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Antipsychotics that cause significant weight gain and lead to diabetes.
These side effects are not rare—they are widely documented and commonly seen in VA claims.
Real-World Examples of Medication Side Effects
Many veterans experience new medical problems directly tied to the prescriptions they take for service-connected conditions. Here are some common scenarios:
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Gastrointestinal issues: Ulcers or GI bleeding caused by long-term NSAID use (like ibuprofen or naproxen) to treat back or joint pain.
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Metabolic disorders: Diabetes, hypertension, or obesity linked to antipsychotic medications often prescribed for PTSD or bipolar disorder.
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Sexual dysfunction: SSRIs and other antidepressants are known to cause erectile dysfunction or decreased libido.
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Liver damage: Anticonvulsants, such as valproate, can lead to serious liver toxicity.
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Memory impairment: Prolonged use of certain sleep aids has been associated with cognitive decline.
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Worsened tinnitus: Some blood pressure medications may aggravate ringing in the ears.
Each of these conditions can potentially be connected to your VA disability claim if the evidence supports the link.
How to Prove Secondary Service Connection
To succeed in a claim for secondary service connection due to medication side effects, three key elements must be established:
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A current diagnosis of the condition caused or worsened by medication.
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Proof of a service-connected disability that required the medication.
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A medical nexus—an opinion from a licensed provider stating that the medication prescribed for the service-connected condition at least as likely as not caused or aggravated the new condition.
Where to Get the Nexus Opinion
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VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam: If your claim presents enough evidence, the VA will schedule you for a free C&P exam. The examiner provides an opinion on whether your condition is medication-related.
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Your treating provider: Sometimes a brief statement from your doctor connecting your condition to your medication is enough to strengthen your claim.
Supporting Evidence
To support your claim, consider gathering:
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Prescription records.
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Medical notes from treating physicians.
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Documentation of side effects from drug manufacturers or FDA warnings.
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Scholarly medical articles that link your condition to the medication.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) and Severe Side Effects
Some side effects may entitle you to additional benefits beyond the standard disability rating.
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SMC (K): Loss of sexual function due to antidepressants may qualify for compensation for “loss of use of a creative organ.”
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Aid and Attendance (SMC-L): Severe liver or kidney damage that limits daily living activities can make veterans eligible for higher levels of SMC.
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TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability): If side effects from medication make it impossible for you to work, you may qualify for TDIU, which pays at the 100% disability rate.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Medication Side Effect Claims
While VA recognizes secondary conditions, many claims are denied because of preventable mistakes. Common pitfalls include:
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Failing to link symptoms directly to a medication. Always make the connection clear in your documentation.
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Lack of medical records. Without prescriptions, progress notes, or lab results, the VA may dismiss your claim.
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Assuming symptoms are just aging. Conditions like ulcers or hypertension may be side effects, not just natural health decline.
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Not working with a representative. Accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) or attorneys can help avoid technical errors that lead to denials.
Documentation is everything. Always keep copies of prescriptions, side effect warnings, and notes from your doctors.
The Filing Process: Where to Start
The VA has streamlined its claims process to be more user-friendly, and veterans have several options for filing:
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VA.gov online portal: Fast and accessible for most claim submissions.
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With the help of a VSO: Accredited representatives offer free assistance in preparing claims.
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With an accredited claims agent or attorney: Recommended for complex or highly contested cases.
When filing for medication side effects, be sure to:
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Clearly identify the primary service-connected condition.
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Specify the medication that caused the side effect.
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Provide all supporting medical evidence and literature.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Medication Side Effects
Medications are prescribed to help, but they can sometimes create significant new health problems. If you are experiencing side effects that interfere with your daily life, they should not be dismissed as inevitable.
The VA recognizes these issues, and pursuing a claim may increase your benefits, provide compensation for lost earning ability, and grant access to additional care and support.
By documenting your side effects, gathering medical evidence, and working with accredited representatives, you can ensure that your sacrifices are fully recognized and compensated.
Final Thoughts
Medication side effects are often overlooked in VA disability claims, yet they can be just as disabling as the conditions the medications are meant to treat. Under VA regulations, veterans may be entitled to compensation for these secondary conditions.
If you suspect your medication has caused a new health issue, take these steps:
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Seek a medical diagnosis.
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Collect prescription and treatment records.
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Ask your provider for a nexus opinion.
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File a claim with supporting literature.
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Explore additional benefits like SMC or TDIU if side effects are severe.
Your health and well-being matter, and the VA system provides a path for recognition and support when medications prescribed for service-connected conditions create new disabilities. Don’t leave these benefits on the table—advocate for yourself and claim the compensation you deserve.
Also read: Congenital Birth Defects and VA Disability
At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.
Our purpose is to empower YOU, the veteran, to take charge of your medical evidence and provide you with valuable educational tools and research to guide you on your journey.
Understanding the unique challenges veterans face, our commitment lies in delivering exceptional service and support.
Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.
Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting is not a law firm, accredited claims agent, or affiliated with the Veterans Administration or Veterans Services Organizations. However, we are happy to discuss your case with your accredited VA legal professional.
