Obesity: Are You Eligible for Additional Compensation?

By Caroline Temple, Senior Advocate

For years, the VA drew a hard line that obesity is not a “disease or injury,” so it cannot be a disability for compensation purposes. That was based on prior case law, and in practice, it meant that a veteran could not be successful in filing an obesity claim, even when a veteran’s weight gain was directly caused by a rated condition or its treatment.

A recent case named Adams v. Collins has changed this. No. 23-5064 (Vet. App. July 8, 2025). The Court found that the Board’s reliance on that reasoning was in error. Relying on the logic of another ruling — which found that pain alone can be compensable if it causes functional impairment, even without an underlying diagnosis — the Court rightfully reasoned that what matters is whether a condition, including obesity, produces functional impairment, not whether it fits the arbitrary definition of “disease” or “injury.” In short, there can be no blanket bar on obesity without further analysis. The VA must look at the specific facts and circumstances of each veteran who suffers from, and claims compensation for, obesity.

What Does This Mean for Me?

Consider how your service-related issues may have contributed to weight gain. Does your PTSD, depression, or anxiety cause you to make unhealthy food choices or limit your desire and ability to exercise? Do your service-connected orthopedic issues impact your ability to be active, forcing you into a more sedentary lifestyle? Does the medication you take for a service-connected condition itself lead to weight gain? All of these are now potential pathways to service connection for obesity.

What About Conditions Caused by Obesity?

This ruling also matters for veterans dealing with conditions that developed as a result of their weight. Veterans Help Group is well-versed in pursuing service connection for secondary conditions caused by obesity — most commonly sleep apnea and diabetes, but the list doesn’t stop there. If obesity contributed to another condition you’re living with, that may be compensable too.

Find Out Where You Stand

Veterans Help Group will continue to closely monitor this issue, including what ratings may look like for eligible veterans as the VA works through the implications of Adams v. Collins.

If you think this ruling may apply to you, don’t wait. Veterans Help Group is the most trusted VA disability advocacy group in the country, and our accredited advocates offer free case evaluations with no obligation. Call us at 855-855-8992 or fill out our contact form HERE to get started.

This Article was written and fact checked by Caroline Temple at Veterans Help Group

Caroline is a Senior Advocate at Veterans Help Group with extensive experience navigating the VA disability claims process on behalf of veterans and their families. Her work spans a wide range of service-connected conditions, and she stays current on VA policies to ensure the veterans she represents have access to every benefit they’ve earned. The information in this article reflects her firsthand knowledge of how the VA system works and how recent legal developments affect the veterans who served our country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Adams v. Collins and why does it matter?

Adams v. Collins is a 2025 Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims decision that overturned the VA’s longstanding position that obesity cannot be a compensable disability. The Court ruled that what matters is whether a condition causes functional impairment, not whether it fits a narrow definition of “disease” or “injury.” For veterans whose obesity is tied to their military service or a service-connected condition, this opens a real path to compensation that didn’t exist before.

Can I file a claim for obesity even if my discharge was years ago?

Yes. There’s no general expiration date on VA disability claims. The date you file affects when your benefits begin, so the sooner you act, the sooner any compensation would start. A free case evaluation can help you determine whether you have a viable claim.

What kinds of service-connected conditions can lead to obesity?

Several. PTSD, depression, and anxiety can affect eating habits and motivation to exercise. Orthopedic conditions, back problems, knee injuries, and joint issues can make physical activity difficult or impossible. Certain medications prescribed for service-connected conditions are also known to cause weight gain. Any of these could form the basis of a claim under the new ruling.

What if obesity led to another condition, like sleep apnea or diabetes?

That matters too. If a service-connected condition contributed to obesity, and obesity then contributed to a separate condition like sleep apnea or Type 2 diabetes, that secondary condition may also be compensable. These are called secondary service connections, and they can add significantly to your overall rating.

Will the VA automatically review my case in light of this ruling?

No. The VA does not proactively reach out to veterans when case law changes. You’ll need to file a claim or request a review. That’s where having an experienced advocate in your corner makes a real difference.

Disabled Veteran Resources:

• Free VA Disability Guidebooks
• VFW SSDI Qualifications Questionnaire
• Most Commonly Approved VA Disability Claims
• VA Disability Calculator: See What You Could Be Owed!