Service connection in the context of VA disability benefits means 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 diagnosed disability and an event, injury, or illness that occurred during their active military service.

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

Give us a call at (844) 483-8737

Check out our YouTube video where we go over the ins and outs of service connection: VA Service Connection: What Disabled Veterans Need to Know