If a damaged piece of equipment is the target of a something that would damage again, will it continue to degrade? Will it eventually break?

If a piece of equipment is damaged, and is the target of something that would brake it, will it break, or remain damaged?

Are these two flags related, or completely different mechanics?

Oh, while on this topic.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USiaeXzYkOE&index=5&list=PL5B2372870FCE5A72