5 Ways to Establish VA Service Connection for a Disability

When applying for VA disability benefits, the most critical part of your claim is proving service connection — that your condition is linked to your military service. Without a service connection, the VA will deny your claim, no matter how severe your condition is.

In this post, we’ll break down five main ways to establish VA service connection. Understanding which one applies to your case can make all the difference in building a successful claim. Each of these categories will be explored in more depth in future blog posts — but here’s an overview to get you started.

1. Direct Service Connection

This is the most straightforward method. A direct service connection means your current disability can be directly linked to something that happened during your time on active duty.

Important Note: The event doesn’t need to be combat or training-related — it can be any incident or exposure during service, as long as it wasn’t due to willful misconduct.

Example: You hurt your knee during a training drill in the military, and that injury has caused ongoing problems post-service.

2. Service Connection Through Aggravation

This type of service connection applies when a pre-existing condition was made worse during your time in the military.

To qualify, you must show:

✔️ You had a condition before entering service

✔️ That condition became worse due to your service (not just naturally over time)

Example: You had mild asthma before enlistment, but it became significantly worse during active duty due to environmental conditions or exposure.

3. Presumptive Service Connection

Sometimes the VA assumes (or presumes) that certain conditions are linked to military service, even if symptoms didn’t appear until after discharge. This is called a presumptive service connection.

Presumptive conditions typically apply to:

• Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange

• Gulf War veterans with certain illnesses

• Post-9/11 veterans exposed to burn pits

Example: A Vietnam veteran develops Parkinson’s disease, which is on the VA’s presumptive list for Agent Orange exposure.

4. Secondary Service Connection

A secondary service connection is when a service-connected condition causes or aggravates another medical issue.

The VA allows benefits not just for the original condition, but for any new condition that stems from it.

Example: A veteran with service-connected PTSD develops sleep apnea due to weight gain and medication side effects — sleep apnea can then be claimed as a secondary condition.

5. Service Connection for Injuries Caused by VA Health Care

If you were injured due to VA medical treatment, you may qualify for service connection under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

This includes:

• Surgical errors

• Misdiagnoses

• Improper treatment

• Negligent care at VA hospitals or facilities

Example: A surgical procedure at a VA facility causes nerve damage — this injury may qualify for compensation.

Final Thoughts: Know Your Path to Service Connection

No matter which route applies to you, understanding the ways to establish VA service connection is essential for building a strong disability claim.

Need help documenting your case with a professional Nexus Letter or additional medical evidence? We’re here to support your journey.

Start your free eligibility review today.