Service connection in the context of VA disability benefits means that the VA has recognized a veteran's disability as being connected to their military service. This recognition is crucial for receiving compensation and other benefits related to that disability. To establish service connection, a veteran needs to demonstrate a link between their current disability and an event, injury, or illness that occurred during their active military service

1. Evidence of a Current Disability

   • Veterans need to provide medical evidence of a current disability, meaning a diagnosis of a physical or mental condition

2. Evidence of an In-Service Event, Injury, or Illness

   • Evidence of an event, injury, or disease that occurred during military service must be provided

3. Nexus (Link)

   • A link or nexus must be established between the current disability and the in-service event, injury, or illness. This is often done through medical opinions linking the current condition to the service event

4. Evidence

   • Medical records, service records, and even lay statements (like buddy statements) can be used as evidence

• Direct Service Connection: directly links a current disability to an in-service event (e.g., combat injury, exposure, training accident)

• Secondary Service Connection: a disability that is caused or aggravated by a pre-existing, service-connected disability (e.g., depression caused by chronic pain)

• Presumptive Service Connection: certain disabilities are presumed to be service-connected based on specific circumstances, like service in a particular location or time period or if the disability manifests within a certain timeframe after service (e.g., Agent Orange, Gulf War Illness, Camp Lejeune Water Contamination)

• Service Connection by Aggravation: when a pre-existing condition was worsened by military service (e.g. you had a back condition prior to service, but the training exercise in service made the condition worse)

• 1151 Service Connection: claims under 38 USC § 1151 applies to disabilities or death that result from “‘hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, or examination’ by a VA medical professional or facility, or due to participation in a program of vocational rehabilitation”

Proving service connection is essential to getting VA benefits. Without it, the VA will deny the claim—even if the condition is serious. A VA-accredited attorney or representative can help gather evidence, obtain medical opinions, and build a strong case to link your condition to your service.

We have attorney’s and representatives here at Greene & Marusak that can help you establish service connection.

Give us a call at (844) 483-8737