Hidden Connections

Medical Connections

Understand the precise medical mechanisms that connect your primary service-connected conditions to new secondary disabilities.

Documentation Strategies

Learn how to properly document your secondary conditions with medical evidence that meets VA requirements.

Claim Filing Success

Master the process of preparing and filing successful VA secondary condition claims with step-by-step guidance.

Common Connections

Discover the most common and often overlooked secondary conditions for every body system and service-connected disability.

Rating Calculations

Understand how VA calculates combined ratings and how secondary conditions can significantly increase your monthly benefits.

Appeal Strategies

Learn effective strategies for appealing denied claims with the right evidence and approach.

1. Introduction to Secondary Conditions [1]
2. The Legal Framework for Secondary Conditions [2]
3. The Medical Science Behind Secondary Connections [3]
4. Strategies for Identifying Your Secondary Conditions [4]
5. Mental Health Secondary Conditions [5]
6. Musculoskeletal Secondary Conditions [6]
7. Neurological Secondary Conditions [7]
8. Cardiovascular Secondary Conditions [8]
9. Respiratory Secondary Conditions [9]
10. Digestive Secondary Conditions [10]
11. Endocrine Secondary Conditions [11]

12. Skin Secondary Conditions [12]
13. Special Senses Secondary Conditions [13]
14. Genitourinary Secondary Conditions [14]
15. Gathering Evidence for Secondary Claims [15]
16. Working with Medical Professionals [16]
17. Writing Effective Personal Statements [17]
18. Navigating the VA Claims Process [18]
19. Multiple Secondary Conditions [19]
20. Aggravation Claims [20]
21. Challenging Denials and Appeals [21]
22. Presumptive Conditions and Secondary Claims [22]

Ronald A. Bolton is a Retired Navy Hospital Corpsman with over 40 years of medical experience. Throughout his distinguished career, he has developed extensive expertise in military medicine, veterans’ health issues, and the VA disability claims process.

After his military service, Ron dedicated himself to helping fellow veterans navigate the complex VA system. He has educated, counseled and advised hundreds of veterans on how to properly document their service-connected conditions and maximize their VA disability benefits.

Ron’s unique combination of medical knowledge and VA claims expertise allows him to provide veterans with practical, actionable guidance that bridges the gap between medical evidence and VA requirements. His approach focuses on empowering veterans with the knowledge they need to successfully advocate for themselves.

As an author, Ron is committed to creating clear, comprehensive resources that demystify the VA claims process and help veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned through their service and sacrifice.