Many veterans find themselves facing a common challenge when filing for VA disability claims—they’re not sure how to link their current disability to their military service. This uncertainty is not unusual, and it’s perfectly okay if you don’t have all the answers right away. Understanding this connection, however, is crucial for a successful VA disability claim. These six actionable tips can help you navigate this crucial step.
Understanding Service Connection for VA Disability Claims
The VA won’t determine the service connection of your disability for you. You need to have an idea of how your condition is related to your service. Here’s a breakdown of six tips:
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Review Your Service Treatment Records: Your service treatment records are a vital resource. You may have experienced or been treated for ailments during service that seemed minor at the time but now significantly affect your health. For example, in a recent case of a veteran who had numerous viral infections during service, which later turned out to be precursors to an autoimmune disease. Such connections in your medical history can be pivotal for your claim.