Claiming Eating Disorders Secondary to PTSD - Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
How to file a VA disability claim for Eating Disorders as a secondary condition to your service-connected PTSD - Military Sexual Trauma (MST). 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: PTSD - Military Sexual Trauma (MST) → Eating Disorders
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 PTSD - Military Sexual Trauma (MST) caused or worsened your Eating Disorders.
Secondary claims are one of the most effective ways to increase your combined VA disability rating and monthly compensation.
How PTSD - Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Leads to Eating Disorders
Primary Condition: PTSD - Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
Common symptoms:
Secondary Condition: Eating Disorders
Common symptoms:
Evidence Needed for This Secondary Claim
1. Nexus Letter (Most Important)
Get a medical opinion letter from a doctor stating that your Eating Disordersis "at least as likely as not" caused by or aggravated by your service-connected PTSD - Military Sexual Trauma (MST). This is the most critical piece of evidence for a secondary claim.
2. Current Diagnosis
Medical records showing a current diagnosis of Eating Disorders. VA treatment records, private medical records, or a current exam will work.
3. Service-Connected Primary Condition
You must already have PTSD - Military Sexual Trauma (MST) 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 PTSD - Military Sexual Trauma (MST) symptoms led to or worsened your Eating Disorders. Include specific examples of how both conditions affect your daily life.
How This Affects Your Compensation
If granted, Eating Disorders 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 PTSD - Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
File Your Eating Disorders Secondary Claim
Use our free Claims Builder to organize your Eating Disorders evidence, link it to your PTSD - Military Sexual Trauma (MST) claim, and prepare for your C&P exam.