EndocrineDC N/A
Obesity / Metabolic Syndrome
Obesity itself is not a separately ratable condition under the VA rating schedule. However, it can be a factor in secondary service connection — meaning a service-connected condition (like hypothyroidism, depression, or medication side effects) that causes obesity can allow diabetes, hypertension, joint problems, or sleep apnea to be claimed as secondary. This is an important legal theory many veterans miss.
VA Rating Levels
0%
Obesity alone is not rated by the VA. The claim strategy is to establish a secondary nexus: SC condition → obesity → downstream condition (e.g., diabetes, knee arthritis, sleep apnea).
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →If PTSD or depression medication caused weight gain which led to sleep apnea or diabetes, those downstream conditions may be secondary claims
- →Documented physician opinions linking SC condition → obesity → new condition are critical
- →PTSD to obesity to sleep apnea is one of the most successful secondary claim chains
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
No direct diagnostic code — secondary claim theory