Service-Connected Disabilities
When veterans apply for disability compensation, one of the most important steps is showing how a condition is connected to military service. The VA recognizes two main types of service connections: direct and secondary. Knowing the difference between the two can help veterans better prepare their claims and pursue the benefits they have earned.
Direct Service-Connected Disabilities
A direct service-connected disability is one that can be clearly tied to an event, injury, or illness that occurred during active duty. This type of connection is often easier to establish because there is usually documentation in service treatment records. Examples include a broken bone suffered during training, hearing loss from exposure to loud equipment, or post-traumatic stress disorder that began after a combat deployment. To qualify, the evidence must show three things: a current disability, an in-service event or injury, and a medical link between the two.
Secondary Service-Connected Disabilities
Secondary service-connected disabilities develop as a result of an already recognized service-connected condition. In other words, a veteran may have one disability caused directly by service, and that condition leads to another health problem over time. For example, a veteran with a knee injury may later develop hip or back problems because of altered movement. Another common example is when service-related depression leads to other physical health issues. Establishing a secondary connection requires medical evidence that clearly links the new condition to the original service-connected disability.
Evidence Required For Both Types
Whether a claim involves a direct or secondary connection, evidence plays a central role. For direct connections, service records and medical documentation are critical to showing the initial injury or illness. For secondary claims, medical opinions explaining how one condition caused another can make a big difference. Lay statements from family, friends, or fellow veterans may also strengthen a case by describing how conditions have developed or worsened over time.
Challenges Veterans May Face
Many veterans face difficulties in proving the link between their service and their current conditions. For direct claims, records may be incomplete or missing. For secondary claims, the connection between conditions may not be obvious without clear medical support. These challenges can lead to denials or lower ratings than what may be appropriate. That is why careful preparation and thorough documentation are so important in both types of claims.
Why Legal Support Can Help
Working with a Texas service-connected disability lawyer can make the process of filing or appealing a claim more manageable. Legal guidance can help identify what type of service connection applies, what evidence will be most helpful, and how to present a claim effectively. At Glover Luck LLP, we understand how important these claims are to veterans and their families, and we are committed to helping them pursue the benefits they deserve.
Support From Our Team
Both direct and secondary service-connected disabilities provide important paths for veterans seeking compensation for conditions related to their service. Knowing the difference allows veterans to better understand their options and gather the right evidence for their claims. If you are considering filing or appealing a VA disability claim, we encourage you to reach out for support and guidance in building a strong case for the benefits you have earned.
