Long COVID / Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19
Persistent symptoms 4+ weeks after acute COVID. Rated by analogy to chronic fatigue syndrome or specific organ system criteria. Emerging area — no specific DC yet.
Common pitfalls
- Document COVID infection during service (positive test, medical record).
- List ALL persistent symptoms — fatigue, brain fog, POTS, exercise intolerance, smell/taste changes.
Common secondaries from this condition
If Long COVID / Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 is service-connected, these are conditions worth investigating as secondaries (caused or aggravated by it).
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Form of dysautonomia. Heart rate jumps >30 bpm on standing without significant BP drop. Rated by analogy under cardiovascular (DC 7010 for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia) or §4.124a for autonomic dysfunction.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Gulf War presumptive.
Major Depressive Disorder
Persistent depressed mood, loss of interest, and associated symptoms. Common secondary to chronic pain.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Persistent, excessive worry across multiple domains. Rated identically to PTSD under §4.130.
Filing this claim
This is typically filed as a direct service connection claim. You need a current diagnosis, evidence of in-service event or exposure, and a nexus letter linking them. Use the letter generators to draft your nexus letter and Statement in Support of Claim.
Step by step
- File an Intent to File (Form 21-0966) to lock your effective date.
- Confirm you have a current medical diagnosis in a medical record.
- Get a nexus letter — magic phrase: "at least as likely as not."
- Write a Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138).
- If applicable, gather buddy statements (21-10210).
- File the formal 21-526EZ.
Source: 38 CFR §4.97 / §4.124a. For exact regulatory language, consult eCFR Title 38. This is general education — for your specific case, consult a VA-accredited representative.