VA Disability Glossary – Key Terms Every Veteran Should Know

Presumptive Service Connection

  • Presumptive service connection means the VA automatically assumes certain conditions are related to military service without requiring the veteran to prove a direct link. This applies to specific diseases or exposures that the VA recognizes as likely caused by military service based on when and where the veteran served.

    Veterans do not need to show a specific injury or event in service for these conditions—just that they meet the qualifying service criteria and have a diagnosed condition on the VA’s presumptive list.

  • Veterans with a diagnosed condition that is on the VA's list of presumptive conditions, and who meet the service requirements (location, time, etc.), can file a claim for disability benefits.

    If the claim is approved, the veteran will receive disability compensation based on the severity of their condition, just as if they had proven a direct service connection.

    Key Points:

    • No need to prove causation:

      • The primary benefit of presumptive service connection is that veterans do not have to provide evidence directly linking their disability to their service.

    • Specific conditions and locations:

      • Presumptions are tied to specific conditions and locations or periods of service.

    • Evidence is still needed:

      • While the link is presumed, veterans still need to provide evidence of their diagnosis and, in some cases, evidence of their qualifying service.

    • VA’s list of presumptive conditions:

    • The VA recognizes that certain illnesses and injuries are more likely to occur in specific military environments or during certain time periods.

    • For example, veterans exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War may be granted presumptive service connection for specific cancers.

    • This presumption helps veterans who may have difficulty proving a direct causal link due to the passage of time or the nature of their service.

    • Agent Orange exposure: Certain cancers, diabetes, Parkinson’s, etc. for Vietnam-era veterans

    • Gulf War veterans: Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and other undiagnosed illnesses

    • Radiation exposure: Certain cancers for veterans involved in nuclear testing

    • Camp Lejeune water contamination: Kidney cancer, leukemia, and more for those stationed there between 1953–1987

    • Tuberculosis, arthritis, and other diseases: If diagnosed within a specific time after discharge

    Note: These are only a few examples, and VA keeps and updated list of presumptive conditions (Click Here)

  • Presumptive service connection makes it easier to qualify for benefits, as long as the veteran meets the service requirements and has a listed condition. It removes the aspect of proving a direct medical link between the condition and service.

    A VA-accredited representative can help determine if your condition qualifies and gather the right service records to support your claim.

    We have attorneys and representatives here at Greene & Marusak who can help you establish service connection.

    Give us a call at (844) 483-8737

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