What is Service Connection?
Updated January 24, 2026
The VA's determination that a veteran's disability or condition is related to their military service, which is required to receive VA disability compensation.
Understanding Service Connection
Service connection requires three elements: current disability, in-service event or injury, and a nexus (connection) between them. Connection can be direct, secondary (caused by another service-connected condition), or presumptive (certain conditions presumed connected for specific service periods or locations).
Examples
- 1Direct service connection for hearing loss from artillery
- 2Secondary connection for depression caused by chronic pain
- 3Presumptive connection for Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam
Related Terms
VA Disability Rating
A percentage assigned by the Department of Veterans Affairs indicating the severity of a service-connected disability, which determines the amount of monthly compensation.
TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)
A VA benefit that pays veterans at the 100% disability rate when their service-connected disabilities prevent them from maintaining substantially gainful employment, even if their combined rating is less than 100%.
C&P Exam (Compensation and Pension Exam)
A medical examination ordered by the VA to evaluate the current severity of a veteran's claimed disability and determine if it's connected to military service.
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