THIS IS HOW! Every Single Secondary VA Disability Claim To Maximize Your Rating 

As always, excellent info and thank you for everything you do for vets!

@@brianp454 thank YOU!! - Clay

Dr. Sharma was very good to me.?I would like to see what quality health has to offer before I reach out to them via email. Do they have a website outlining their service with price list? Thanks for all you do for us vets.

Thank you for the link, man.

@@mawgraw4297 hey, thank YOU! - Clay

Thank you so much!! - Clay

Don’t give up until you’re properly rated. - Clay

You aren't going to get anything additional for ptsd as all mental conditions are rated together aside from eating disorders, which is rated separately from others, just fyi

@@steffsaint I already know, Steff. I was service connected for PTSD last month but saw no increase in benefits. I'm ok with that. Nevertheless, I'm working on my secondaries. In fact, yesterday I had four C&P exams for: Asthma, COPD, Migraines and Toxic Exposure (PACT Act). And while the C&P examiner offered no guarantees (they never should), he definitely stated I had all four based on my C-file, evidence, migraine log, et al. Now, I just patiently wait for the DBQs to hit the VA Rater and observe the outcome. Moreover, I can appeal any or all of the four. Finally, even if the VA Rater says "nyet" to the compelling evidence, I have already put in for TDIU in February 2023, which is a sure 100%. But, hey, thanks for the comment.

Insomnia and Migraines is a great combination to tinnitus along with a personal statement. 😮

@@anthonygrant2902 I'm 100% now and still have a C&P exam for migraines/tinnitus coming in a few days. But thank you anyway, Anthony.

Free99 🦆 - Clay

Whatever is causing the clothing allowance needs to be SC - Clay

Secondary conditions don’t require an in-service event (diagnosis/ complaint from active duty). Secondary claims need a current diagnosis from private or VA and need to be linked (nexus) to one of your service-connected conditions. I have a secondary list that you can find here… ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-lczsquEbQqY.htmlsi=qcm54aqMOrFEr9_d - Clay

Alcoholism will be roped within your PTSD so that would be pointless. But to answer your question: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Bk_yLCHc9bE.htmlsi=vJCjA64gUbqioDKL - Clay

First off, thank you very much!! I appreciate it. As far as other people using this…completely okay. Gotta remember the mission is to inform and educate Veterans. Do I wish people didn’t charge for memberships for ‘secrets’ on your claim? Absolutely. But the bigger fish right now are these claims consulting companies. Burn them all. - Clay

🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥

Answered: Insomnia secondary to anxiety: ru-vid.comRrYBMEsv6nQ?si=fVRlfMG92EoqiZBa GERD secondary to IBS: ru-vid.comLd2LE9xykOo?si=wuGnCnVtYAC01I8P Both have long forms attached. - Clay

You’re correct and most won’t - unfortunately. Some do, and I’ve had a few Veterans luck out…but the priority list would be: 1: Primary care (VA/private) 2: Outside IMOs/DBQs - Clay

One of my favorites. I’ll be building templates and then at some point throw them all together. - Clay

Is there a goto place to learn how to file? I'm just starting out with this. thanks

@@richcannon3771 right here. Feel free to send me an email. thecivdiv@gmail.com I also have a playlist of VA How To’s on tutorials to submit your own claim. - Clay

​@@TheCivDivweekdays the foundation you worked with in Texas? I think you were the one I'm not sure if it's you

This is the hardest part is trying to find a Dr. To fill out a nexus, especially when you can't afford to pay hundreds of dollars to have one done from companies who provide them

I absolutely want to discuss the expanding list without a doubt. - Clay

It can be, the question I always ask is this…does YOUR tinnitus cause YOUR Meniere’s? It’s not a 1 size fits all… - Clay

Hey thanks! Some are easier, some are soso, some are pretty difficult. Regardless, all will need medical evidence suggesting the connection for an ‘at least as likely’ nexus. - Clay

Hey this is awesome!! If you need help I’m only an email away - Clay

Thank you!! I appreciate this x1000 - Clay

Hey thanks! I appreciate this and I hope all of this helps. - Clay

I would need to know you true rating. Is your 90% an 85% rounded? Feel free to send me an email. - Clay

50% sleep Apnea, 70% Mental Health, 20% rotator cuff shoulder w secondary arthritis. 0% migraine, 0% hypertension

@@usmcVICTOR Well, with what you have here you're at 88% so that answer is no. You would need higher ratings of what you have or secondaries/new claims. For migraines, since you're service-connected, I'd start there. Here's a migraine increase video... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Vd9uqszmS1Q.htmlsi=eVUb_P4nXO8n3qDL - Clay

😂 give her a follow on Instagram and ask her! - Clay

Answered here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-IBceaTeu-pA.htmlsi=dmll645h3_30KI44 - Clay

thank you much

It can either online or with a 526. Highly recommend the evidence for the primary SC is absolutely solid before going that route. Really an ITF would be my first option. - Clay

Long story short…anxiety/stress from tinnitus. I’ve seen OSA secondary to tinnitus SC with CPAP at 50%any times (although not common). You will need a strong IMO whether that’s from a C&P or private. - Clay

You’ll see the inverse relationship and tbh, I’m not sure about vice versa. OSA is known to cause Hypertension, I’m not sure about the other way around. Regardless you’ll need evidence indicating it so. - Clay

You can file all 3 at the same time as long as you have the evidence. If you don’t have the evidence, then I’d recommend to hold off and use your ITF date or file what you do have evidence for. - Clay

99.9% of the time these will both be direct - Clay

Not all respiratory conditions are rated together. Asthma and Sleep Apnea are normally rated together but CAN be combined to receive a higher rating - doesn’t happen often. - Clay

First, get evidence suggesting the connection from the VA or private. Then with that supplemental. If denied again, AND you have the evidence, reach out o Quality Health. qualityhealthcontact2@yahoo.com - Clay

Answered in your other comment. - Clay

Yeah 😂 I got some bad tattoos myself - Clay

I remember when I first got mine after Boot, man, was so scared since we were told no "identifying" marks. Now a days, it seems like the military is competing with those who are locked up. Not judging, I have a few, but they are easily covered with clothing, but dang.... When did the regs get so soft on them?

@@user-ym9wb2mk5e different generation, different times. The modern day war heroes I know with valor are tatted up. Tattoos have kind of fallen off the ‘taboo’ realm and become normal. Now I say that because I have about 20 tattoos 😂 - Clay

I have so many questions prior to giving a recommendation. Feel free to send me an email. - Clay

Pinned comment has the link - Clay

Hey thanks!! This means a lot to me and love the profile pic 😂 I genuinely try to give clear and concise information. - Clay

Salamat

Very smooth and my drink of choice…when I do drink. - Clay

Simple answer, yes - Clay

Rated under MH - Clay

@@TheCivDiv Mental health? It can be secondary to my anxiety?

The real answer is…it doesn’t matter. Claim it direct. The VA will look at direct, TERA, and secondary service-connection. Fill the claim as a ‘new condition’. - Clay

@@TheCivDiv Thanks 🙏

Absolutely possible given the evidence. - Clay

@TheCivDiv do you think the surgeries are enough or do I need new stuff on my record? Thanks for all the help and the videos.

That video is scheduled to post May 22nd 10am EST - Clay

@@TheCivDiv OK, thanks bud.

If you have distinct diagnosis and these conditions affect different parts of the body, that would be rated separately. - Clay

Yes, that what makes them secondary. - Clay

What I would personally do…is start seeking treatment and while doing so, guiding the conversation with my provider about your lower spine causing your neck pain. I’d also look at what caused your lower spine damage and see if that could also cause your upper spine pain and go direct. Secondary is a difficult claim but definitely not impossible. I’d also like to know what lumbar condition you have specifically. - Clay

@@TheCivDiv The VA rated me for lumbar degenerative disk disease Diagnostic Code 5242. I have been seeking treatment for my neck for the last 1 1/2 years. I have done PT and prescription for massage therapy. My lumbar spine specifically has degraded to my most recent MRI showing moderate stenosis at L3-L4; L4-L5 and L5-S1 to include stenosis of the nerve roots coming off L4-L5 and L5-S1. Currently underrated for my lumbar spine IMO at 20%, will be looking to increase because medical records due demonstrate degredation in my lumbar spine over time and now have bilateral radiculopathy.

1 of 2 things will happen. You’ll either get a decision on PTSD and deferred whatever your other claim is (not likely) or…since PACT Act is relatively ‘easy’ they’ll just wait. - Clay

ptsd june ,pact act august..@@TheCivDiv

In short, yes. - Clay

Yeah so that list doesn’t mean diddly squat and is years old. DKGVF was recently Accredited by the VA so prior to that is when that ‘blacklist’ was made. Someone made an excel and added names. There is no VA blacklist - fact. - Clay

I am glad to hear this. I wasn’t sure how it could exist to be honest. Too many lawyers would make bank if it did. Thanks for your response too.

I’m only saying this because of the amount of times I’ve had to deal with this and been successful. Prepare for a HLR with an informal conference call and let your evidence speak for itself if rated at 0%. Rators often rate Migraines at 0% even when the evidence is clear. - Clay

@@TheCivDiv I’m always ready for a fight Brother. That’s why I try to stay educated by watching your channel and getting my evidence. I will keep y’all updated.

@@TheCivDiv my C&P exam will be a ACE Exam. Not sure when they will review my records or how long this process takes. First time for this kind of review.

Ear conditions - Clay

Secondary sleep apnea isn’t as easy as everyone says it is. There are correlating factors (not causative factors) which makes it difficult. I’m going to link a video I did for DKGVF (Accredited VSO) that explains these factors. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-IuWVShkQ3kE.htmlsi=G7QXqsazYpb67ZQR - Clay

The question is: what does your OSA aggravate?

Pinned comment - Clay

She is! I saw her up in DC, definitely worth it. - Clay

You’ll need a diagnosis at a minimum. Do you meet PACT Act criteria? - Clay

I thought the MAX for tinnitus was only 10%?....how did you get 30%

Typo.

@@number1Cheeto off topic but your profile picture is absolutely hilarious - Clay

Sounds like you have some SOLID evidence for secondary service-connection. - Clay

You're doing it. I just got my insomnia rating secondary to my connected back pain. I did have a private psychologist write me a nexus, but I had a lot of evidence like you so I wondered if I even needed it. The CBT all makes sense, but it didn't work for me either when it's pain and tinnitus is constant. My claim took about 100 days to come back. Hopeful they'll do right for you brother.

@@joelmerritt9594 kind of weird, right? You need evidence for a private IMO/DBQ but that same evidence should have been ‘good enough’ for the C&P Examiner to make the positive nexus… Prime example of C&P examiners just not being the best. - Clay

@@joelmerritt9594 did the C&P examiner do any exam on your back or just ask about the insomnia? I just want to be totally prepared. Thanks brother! 💪🇺🇸

​@dloverland no. Insomnia is treated as a mental condition. I was already service connected for back pain and tinnitus. So they sent me to a physiologist to talk about my feelings. I was also diagnosed with MDD and Somatic Symptom Disorder so they talked about all 3 in the exam since they lump them all together. I just made sure to tell him how the pain kept me for sleeping well for years. Thankfully the C&P examiner I had was pretty good for once.

You can, but I’d also consider others r mental health disabilities in addition with insomnia. Have you been diagnosed with insomnia or any other mental fealty ailment? - Clay

I have not been diagnosed with any mental illness or insomnia

@@CarlosSanchez-z9r that’s going to be step 1 and while you’re at it…express how your service-connected disabilities is keeping you from sleeping. - Clay

How long have you been out of service? So far I’d say direct and if denied then explore secondary. - Clay

@@TheCivDiv The discharge was in August 2014, the complaint was in December 11, 2014 and the test was positive on January 3, 2015

@@miguelplaza5385 well, with that timeframe and 0 evidence from service…secondary is what I’d recommend. If you have a sleep study from service, then direct. - Clay

@@TheCivDiv I appreciate it!

Specialist and I wouldn’t recommend that route unless you’ve been denied AND you have the evidence. - Clay

👌🏾 because I’m diagnosed with severe sleep apnea with a bpap and blood pressure stays high

You absolutely can…the bigger question is what’s your evidence suggesting the secondary connection? - Clay

I have diagnosis for back conditions I was denied direct connection for back pain so I figured I’d try secondary it

That just made my night, man. Thank you for that! - Clay

As I make updates this list will also be updated so be sure to check the drive link from time to time - Clay

Hypertension is different because medication is a part of 38 CFR which would put the Veteran at 10%. When it comes to your back, you won’t find medication in 38 CFR. What is the medication for? Muscle spasms? Medication would at least indicate something is going on and would most likely rate a 10% based on RoM. - Clay

Hey thanks! I hope this helps. Cool thing is this list can be updated. - Clay

What’s up my guy! Been a while… - Clay

Its downloadable in the pinned comment and our website www.civdivonline.com/templates - Clay

You’re saying they deferred your sleep apnea claim (I’m assuming secondary to PTSD) 3 times? - Clay

@@TheCivDiv yes

I’m going to assume this was granted over 1yr ago and in that case you can submit an increase IF you believe your symptoms rate higher than 0% for those conditions in 38 CFR. Watch this… ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-XZeJyzV6itM.htmlsi=lauNNvB0QqRjTKzF - Clay

Thanks that's one of my condition I would like to discuss with you after my assessment with Dr.sharma PTSD Secondary sept.29. Thanks clay..

@@philipcastro4406 alright looking forward to it. In the meantime gather evidence. - Clay

Yes you absolutely can. - Clay

@@TheCivDiv thank you!

Thank YOU as always - Clay

If you disagree and believe you had all the evidence needed, you can submit a HLR within 1yr. If you need 'new and relevant' evidence you can submit a supplemental appeal. Ideally you still want to remain in the 1yr mark but supplementals can be filed for any denied claim. I'm not going to cover the Board as I would recommend getting a lawyer if this is the route you're going to take. - Clay

How long do you have to wait to file for an appeal

Okay thanks for the information 👍🏽

@@langhorne1180 once you’re denied - Clay

Well, the normal claims process begins. And your diabetes secondary to your mental health will likely have your mental health evaluated, again. Only reason to do this is if the condition will likely lead to your death, or you’re looking for SMC. - Clay

My diebeties is causing chronic kidney disease and my capillaries in my left eyes is bleeding ...down the road I'm gonna need aid and attendence. . Don't think I'll qualify currently

The beauty of this list…adding it now and thanks! - Clay

I watched you updating bruxism in there....haha

@@wowzers1069 I didn’t realize it was live like that 😂

@@TheCivDiv you might add a caveat that it will not do anything for you compensation wise since bruxism cannot be evaluated as a stand-alone disability. It's rated as a symptom or component disorder of the disability causing it. I am unsure if it would help open up dental treatment eligibility.

@@TheCivDiv As an author makes a change in a google document that is shared, all people who have access to it can see the change in real time. Users can also see other people looking at the document. In a widely shared document on a public platform, the users show up as anonymous, but if the users are granted access then their user names will show up.

Absolutely and hip conditions can cause conditions similar to lumbar conditions and vice versa - Clay

Oh my goodness!? Thank you so much 😭 - Clay

Technically yes, the VA can award you 100% but from what I see here…you’re better off going the secondary route or TDIU. 60% nerve damage is pretty serious - that sucks. But…you have the right mind set. - Clay

Thanks for the information.

Is TDIU hard to get? I guess you have to go back through another C&P exam? Any info on this would be great.

@@jimmajetic8289 hard to get is relative to you, your disabilities, and your ability to keep gainful employment. You will absolutely need another C&P Exam and I think it would be safe to say that the VA doesn’t generously award TDIU. You’ll need strong medical evidence. - Clay

If I file for secondary claims should I reference the CFR code or just list the condition or both. Thanks

That may be a tough one. I’ve seen the opposite, Sleep Apnea secondary to tinnitus. - Clay

@@TheCivDivts is possible to get OSA secondary to tinnitus? am not sure about it.

@@PrisonJunky I’ve seen it multiple times but it’s not a ‘common’ secondary to tinnitus. - Clay

I would file the tinnitus as a primary. If not in service records. A good personal statement and buddy statement can get you an extra 10% if your C&P examiner is not an asshole. Personal statement: "Noise exposure while in the military. Mid July 1988 - assigned SIMA Long Beach - Pistol range in LA or Orange county qualifying for Pistol Expert. Approximately 36 people firing for qualifications, 45 shots each. Around bedtime after being on the firing range had reduced hearing on both ears. By morning it seemed to improve somewhat but not to original hearing. The following day hearing quit improving and I first noticed ringing in both ears. It has been continuous 24 hours a day since that time and never goes away. " Followed by 5 other examples of noise exposure. Buddy statement from my now wife who I met while in the military: "To whom it may concern July 20, 2023 : When I, Nxxxx Wxxxxx, met Dxxxx Beekman in November of 1990 he was enlisted in the US Navy. He complained then that he had ringing in his ears. I have been in his life since then. I have noticed that Dxxxx cannot hear high pitched sounds. He misses hearing alarm clocks, telephones ringing, or timers. I have to constantly tell him that some device or another has gone off or alert him to any high pitched sound. He often says that the sound matches the same high note as his tinnitus and he can't hear it unless he is within inches of the source. I have noticed that at times Dxxxx stops what he is doing and winces or shakes his head. When I ask him what is wrong he states that his ringing in his ears has changed pitch."

Hey thanks! Looking forward to the future after our meeting today. - Clay

@@TheCivDiv same here

Thanks!! Hope this helps. - Clay

Huuuuuuge question...First, look at what symptoms you are experiencing and what it could possibly be. If your legs go to sleep or tingle and you have lumbar strain service-connected...speak with your primary care. If diagnosed with any king of sciatic nerve damage, then you know to submit sciatica secondary to your lumbar strain. You can use that template for just about any and all conditions. You will definitely need to think about your symptoms and speak to your primary care. - Clay

See a PCP first. Get a diagnosis. And then review Clay's "cheatsheet" of what qualifies. Questions? See your local VSO.

Can you claim neck issues secondary to flat feet?

@@jaimeat1268 you can…will need a strong nexus and evidence - Clay

Thanks! Cool thing is I can update this list and everyone will continue to have access. - Clay

The force is strong in this one - Clay

Mamba - Clay

I mean, I would recommend an IMO and I’d also like to se the reason for denial. - Clay

Had IMO. Cp said it couldn’t cause osa. She never addressed that it could make it worse. Or didn’t acknowledge that the weight gain could make it worse.

@@Kenny-lk3bv well…I’d like to see the IMO. If your IMO said PTSD causes OSA, then your C&P Examiner is right and whoever did that IMO is wrong. That’s just instance and instead of speculating I’d like to see the IMO if you’re up for it. From there, we can make a plan. - Clay

Where do I send you a copy of the imo. Thank you

Where do I send you a copy of the imo. Thank you