Claiming Low Back Pain Secondary to ACL/PCL/MCL/LCL Tear
How to file a VA disability claim for Low Back Pain as a secondary condition to your service-connected ACL/PCL/MCL/LCL Tear. This guide covers the medical nexus, evidence requirements, and how a secondary claim can increase your combined rating.
This is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with a VSO or accredited claims agent.
Medical Nexus: ACL/PCL/MCL/LCL Tear → Low Back Pain
NEXUS STRENGTH
moderate
COMMONLY GRANTED
Varies
CLAIM TYPE
Secondary
What is a Secondary VA Disability Claim?
A secondary condition is a disability that was caused or aggravated by a service-connected condition. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, the VA will grant service connection for a secondary condition if you can show a medical relationship (nexus) between your already service-connected condition and the new condition.
In this case, you would claim that your service-connected ACL/PCL/MCL/LCL Tear caused or worsened your Low Back Pain.
Secondary claims are one of the most effective ways to increase your combined VA disability rating and monthly compensation.
How ACL/PCL/MCL/LCL Tear Leads to Low Back Pain
Primary Condition: ACL/PCL/MCL/LCL Tear
Common symptoms:
Secondary Condition: Low Back Pain
Common symptoms:
Evidence Needed for This Secondary Claim
1. Nexus Letter (Most Important)
Get a medical opinion letter from a doctor stating that your Low Back Painis "at least as likely as not" caused by or aggravated by your service-connected ACL/PCL/MCL/LCL Tear. This is the most critical piece of evidence for a secondary claim.
2. Current Diagnosis
Medical records showing a current diagnosis of Low Back Pain. VA treatment records, private medical records, or a current exam will work.
3. Service-Connected Primary Condition
You must already have ACL/PCL/MCL/LCL Tear rated as service-connected. If not, file for that first or file both claims simultaneously.
4. Personal Statement
A detailed statement (VA Form 21-4138) describing how your ACL/PCL/MCL/LCL Tear symptoms led to or worsened your Low Back Pain. Include specific examples of how both conditions affect your daily life.
How This Affects Your Compensation
If granted, Low Back Pain as a secondary condition will increase your combined VA disability rating using VA math. Here are 2026 monthly rates by rating:
30% Rating
$552.47
/month
50% Rating
$1,132.90
/month
70% Rating
$1,808.45
/month
Other Conditions Secondary to ACL/PCL/MCL/LCL Tear
File Your Low Back Pain Secondary Claim
Use our free Claims Builder to organize your Low Back Pain evidence, link it to your ACL/PCL/MCL/LCL Tear claim, and prepare for your C&P exam.