Conditions secondary to Lupus
If the VA already service-connected your lupus (also called lupus, sle, systemic lupus, lupus erythematosus), it can cause or worsen other conditions that are ratable on their own. These "secondary" claims are where many veterans leave money on the table. Below is what a service-connected lupus commonly leads to, why, and what evidence each one takes.
Secondary conditions to consider
A secondary claim only works if the primary condition (lupus) is already service-connected, and you have a nexus — a doctor's opinion that it is "at least as likely as not" the cause. More on nexus letters →
Kidney disease (lupus nephritis)high link
Lupus frequently attacks the kidneys (lupus nephritis), one of its most serious and best documented complications.
What you'd need: Kidney labs or a biopsy showing lupus nephritis, and a nephrology or rheumatology opinion linking it to the lupus.
Typically rated under approx: renal dysfunction (38 CFR 4.115a). Lupus itself is DC 6350 (38 CFR 4.88b): VA rates it either by combining the residual ratings for each affected body system or under DC 6350, whichever is higher, so a residual is not added on top of a DC 6350 rating.
Joint pain / inflammatory arthritismoderate link
Joint pain and inflammatory arthritis are among the most common lupus symptoms.
What you'd need: Rheumatology records documenting the joint involvement and a nexus opinion linking it to the lupus.
Typically rated under 38 CFR 4.71a (musculoskeletal), rated under the joint and type of arthritis involved. Lupus itself is DC 6350 (38 CFR 4.88b): VA rates it either by combining the residual ratings for each affected body system or under DC 6350, whichever is higher, so a residual is not added on top of a DC 6350 rating.
Depression / anxietymoderate link
Living with a chronic autoimmune disease, and some lupus treatments, are well associated with depression and anxiety.
What you'd need: A mental-health diagnosis and a nexus opinion linking it to the lupus or its treatment.
Typically rated under DC 9434 major depressive disorder / DC 9400 generalized anxiety disorder (38 CFR 4.130). Lupus itself is DC 6350 (38 CFR 4.88b): VA rates it either by combining the residual ratings for each affected body system or under DC 6350, whichever is higher, so a residual is not added on top of a DC 6350 rating.
Bone damage from long-term steroids (avascular necrosis)low link
Long-term corticosteroid treatment for lupus can cause avascular necrosis, most often of the hip, which can be claimed as secondary to the medication used for a service-connected condition.
What you'd need: Imaging confirming avascular necrosis, records of the steroid treatment, and a nexus opinion connecting the two.
Typically rated under approx: musculoskeletal (38 CFR 4.71a)
Find the ones you may be missingWingman's free Secondary-Condition Finder maps your rated conditions to what they can cause — privately, in your browser.
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Education only. Wingman is a free, veteran-built self-help tool. It is not legal advice, not VA-accredited, and it never files anything for you. Every claim turns on your own facts and current VA rules — always confirm anything important with a free accredited VSO (find one at va.gov).