Turn Med Side Effects into Secondary Ratings—Prove It Today
Your medications can unlock secondary ratings—document them today. Right now, list every med you take for service‑connected conditions, pull the official patient info sheet for each, and circle side effects you actually have (think GERD from NSAIDs, ED from SSRIs, weight gain from antipsychotics). Send a secure message to your VA provider: “Since starting [med] on [date], I’ve had [symptom]; please assess and note in my chart.” Screenshot that message and upload it with a dated symptom summary to your claim as new, relevant evidence. See VA.gov for filing steps.