What secondary conditions are linked to Chronic NSAID Use?

Common secondary conditions for Chronic NSAID Use include GERD, Peptic Ulcer Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease, Hypertension, GI Bleeding. Secondary service connection is established under 38 C.F.R. 3.310 when a condition is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability.

What happens during a C&P exam for Chronic NSAID Use?

An active infectious disease is generally rated at 100% while active; once it resolves, it is rated at 0% and you are rated on the residual disability within the affected body system (38 CFR 4.88b) - claim each residual condition. Recurrence of active infection usually must be confirmed by culture, histopathology, or other diagnostic laboratory testing - make sure that confirmation is in your record.

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Chronic NSAID Use

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Chronic NSAID Use?

Chronic NSAID Use (DC 6299) is rated at 0% under 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection). Medication use is not itself a rated disability. Each condition caused by long-term NSAID therapy rates under its own diagnostic code as secondary to the service-connected condition requiring the medication (38 CFR § 3.310).

Q: What rates 0% for Chronic NSAID Use under 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection)?

Under 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection) (DC 6299), a 0% rating for Chronic NSAID Use requires: Medication use is not itself a rated disability. Each condition caused by long-term NSAID therapy rates under its own diagnostic code as secondary to the service-connected condition requiring the medication (38 CFR § 3.310).

Q: What evidence do I need for a Chronic NSAID Use VA claim?

Key evidence for a Chronic NSAID Use claim includes: Laboratory confirmation of the infection (culture, histopathology, serology, or molecular testing); Records documenting the active-disease period and treatment dates; Treatment records for each residual condition, rated within its own body system; CD4/T4 cell counts and records of constitutional symptoms or opportunistic infections (HIV); Service records establishing the qualifying exposure or in-service onset (nexus). All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 629938 C.F.R. § 3.310 (secondary service connection)

Diagnostic Code

DC 6299

38 C.F.R. § 3.310 (secondary service connection)

Rating Range

0–0%

1 severity tier

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Chronic NSAID Use is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6299 of 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection) across 1 severity tier (0%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303. This condition is frequently rated as secondary to GERD or Peptic Ulcer Disease under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, meloxicam, celecoxib, diclofenac) prescribed to treat service-connected musculoskeletal or other painful conditions. Documented side effects — peptic ulcer disease (DC 7304 consolidation per § 4.114), gastritis (rate as DC 7304), GERD (DC 7203 per § 4.114 amendment), chronic kidney disease, NSAID-induced hypertension, and increased cardiovascular events — are eligible for secondary service connection under 38 CFR § 3.310 when the underlying pain condition is service-connected.

Rating Criteria

Medication use is not itself a rated disability. Each condition caused by long-term NSAID therapy rates under its own diagnostic code as secondary to the service-connected condition requiring the medication (38 CFR § 3.310).

Key Evidence

—Laboratory confirmation of the infection (culture, histopathology, serology, or molecular testing)

—Records documenting the active-disease period and treatment dates

—Treatment records for each residual condition, rated within its own body system

—CD4/T4 cell counts and records of constitutional symptoms or opportunistic infections (HIV)

—Service records establishing the qualifying exposure or in-service onset (nexus)

—Complete list of prescribed medications and their side effects

C&P Exam Tips

1An active infectious disease is generally rated at 100% while active; once it resolves, it is rated at 0% and you are rated on the residual disability within the affected body system (38 CFR 4.88b) - claim each residual condition.

2Recurrence of active infection usually must be confirmed by culture, histopathology, or other diagnostic laboratory testing - make sure that confirmation is in your record.

3Identify and claim every residual (for example, arthritis, neuropathy, liver or kidney damage, or cognitive issues) - that is where most lasting compensation comes from after the active phase.

4For HIV-related illness (DC 6351), the rating turns on CD4/T4 cell count thresholds (for example, under 200, or 200-500) plus constitutional symptoms and opportunistic infections - bring your CD4 labs.

5Some infections carry presumptive long-term health effects under 38 CFR 3.317 - note any qualifying service exposure that supports the nexus.

6Report your worst days, list all medications and side effects, and describe how the illness and its residuals affect work and daily activity.

Secondary Conditions

GERDMODERATE

NSAIDs reduce protective stomach mucus leading to acid reflux

Peptic Ulcer DiseaseMODERATE

NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandins needed for stomach lining protection

Chronic Kidney DiseaseMODERATE

NSAIDs reduce kidney blood flow causing progressive damage

HypertensionMODERATE

NSAIDs cause sodium retention and vasoconstriction

GI BleedingMODERATE

Mucosal damage leads to hemorrhage

Liver DamageMODERATE

Hepatotoxicity from chronic use

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Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.

View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
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