Obesity as an Intermediate Step: The VA Claim Strategy Most Veterans Miss | VA Disability

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"If you're filing for sleep apnea without documenting your weight gain first... you're skipping the one step that actually makes the VA say yes. And I watch veterans make this mistake every single week."

Here's what I believe that most veterans don't:

Obesity—your weight gain—might be the most powerful tool in your VA claim arsenal. And you're probably ignoring it completely.

"But Doc, the VA doesn't rate obesity."

You're right. They don't. Obesity by itself gets you zero percent. Zero dollars.

But here's what the VA DOES recognize—and this is backed by legal precedent from 2017—obesity can be an "INTERMEDIATE STEP" between your service-connected condition and a new ratable condition.

In plain English?

Your PTSD meds made you gain 60 pounds. That 60 pounds gave you sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is rated at 50%.

❌ WITHOUT the weight gain connection: "Sleep apnea isn't related to PTSD." DENIED.

✅ WITH the weight gain connection: "PTSD caused weight gain, weight gain caused sleep apnea." APPROVED.

Same conditions. Different outcome. All because of how you built the chain.

ABOUT DR. MARSHALL BAHR & XTERRA HEALTH

I'm Dr. Marshall Bahr — physician, Army Ranger, Special Operations Combat Medic, disabled veteran.

At Xterra Health, we write nexus letters that build the chain correctly. We connect your service-connected condition to your weight gain, and your weight gain to your secondary conditions. We cite the medical literature. We reference VAOPGCPREC 1-2017. We make the case the VA needs to see.

Here's how Xterra Health works:
✅ Free consultation — We talk through your situation at no cost
✅ Free records review — We review ALL your records completely free
✅ Free nexus letter draft — We write the letter before you pay anything
✅ You participate in editing — This is YOUR story, your claim
✅ You only pay if you like it — Only after you approve the finished product
✅ $500 per letter — Not per condition
✅ No contracts — Walk away anytime

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⚠️ DISCLAIMER:
This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. While I am a licensed physician, I am not YOUR provider unless we have established care through Xterra Health.

The information provided reflects general guidance for understanding secondary service connection using obesity as an intermediate step, as recognized in VAOPGCPREC 1-2017. Individual cases vary based on specific conditions, evidence, and circumstances.

VAOPGCPREC 1-2017 established that obesity may serve as an intermediate step between a service-connected disability and a secondary disability. However, each claim is evaluated on its own merits and evidence. This video does not guarantee approval of any specific claim.

The VA does NOT rate obesity as a disability. This video explains how obesity can serve as a connecting link, not how to get a rating for obesity itself.

If you have questions about your specific claim, consult with a VA-accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO).

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