What Disabilities Qualify for VA Compensation?

If you’ve served in the U.S. military and are living with a physical or mental condition related to your service, you may be eligible for monthly VA disability compensation. Yet many Veterans don’t pursue benefits simply because they’re unsure whether their condition qualifies.

At Increase Your VA Benefits, we specialize in helping Veterans navigate the VA system with clarity and confidence. In this post, we’ll walk you through the key categories of qualifying disabilities, how the VA defines service connection, and what you can do if you’re not sure where to start.

What Does the VA Consider a “Qualifying Disability”?

To receive VA compensation, your disability must meet three basic criteria:

1. You have a current diagnosed condition

2. There is evidence of an in-service event, injury, or illness

3. There is a medical link (nexus) between your service and your current condition

   
   

This is what’s called a service-connected disability. It doesn’t matter if your condition didn’t surface until after you left the military — as long as it can be linked back to your service, it may qualify.

Common Qualifying Disabilities

Some conditions are more frequently approved by the VA due to well-established connections to military service. These include:

✅ Musculoskeletal Injuries

• Back and neck problems

• Joint pain or limited range of motion

• Arthritis or chronic sprains

✅ Mental Health Conditions

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Depression or anxiety related to service

• Military Sexual Trauma (MST)-related conditions

✅ Hearing & Vision Loss

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

• Hearing loss from noise exposure

• Vision impairment from trauma or illness

✅ Respiratory Conditions

• Asthma or COPD

• Chronic bronchitis

• Illnesses tied to burn pit exposure or Gulf War service

✅ Neurological Disorders

• Migraines

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• Seizure disorders

✅ Agent Orange-Related Illnesses

• Certain cancers

• Diabetes mellitus type 2

• Parkinson’s disease and ischemic heart disease

✅ Gulf War Illness & Undiagnosed Conditions

Veterans who served in the Gulf War may be eligible for compensation for medically unexplained chronic symptoms, including fatigue, joint pain, and memory issues.

Lesser-Known Conditions That May Also Qualify

You might be surprised to learn that conditions like sleep apnea, eczema, GERD, IBS, and even erectile dysfunction can qualify—if they’re linked to your service or secondary to another service-connected condition.

A good example is sleep apnea secondary to PTSD, where the VA has recognized that the mental health condition can aggravate or contribute to a physical one.

What About Secondary Conditions?

Secondary service-connected disabilities are those that develop as a result of another service-connected condition. For example:

• Diabetes causing peripheral neuropathy

• PTSD leading to hypertension

• Knee injuries leading to hip or back pain

If you’ve already been rated for a condition, don’t overlook the possibility of additional compensation through secondary claims.

For more information on each of the disability ratings and how they may apply to your unique situation, visit our Resources page. You'll find expert insights, practical breakdowns, and Veteran-focused guidance to help you better understand your benefits and take the next step toward the compensation you deserve.

You Don’t Need to Figure This Out Alone

Many Veterans delay filing because they’re uncertain whether their condition “counts.” The reality? You don’t need to be 100% sure—you just need to start the process. That’s where we come in.

At Increase Your VA Benefits, we help Veterans uncover qualifying conditions, gather the right documentation, and increase their chances of getting the rating they deserve.

Additional Resources

• VA.gov Disability Compensation Overview: https://www.va.gov/disability/

• Public Health: Exposure-Related Health Concerns: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/

• National Center for PTSD: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/

• Veterans Crisis Line: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ (Dial 988, then press 1)

Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering whether your condition qualifies for VA disability, the answer is simple: It’s worth checking. You’ve already earned these benefits through your service—now it’s time to claim them.

Want expert support in getting started or increasing your rating? Contact us today and let’s take the next step together.