What is a service-connection determination?

A service-connection determination is a determination made by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding whether or not an injury, a disability, an illness, or a related condition of a veteran is connected to their service in the military. The determination must be made before veterans can be approved for benefits, such as monthly disability compensation or medical treatment. In order to be approved, a veteran must prove that his or her service-connected disability was in fact caused or aggravated by their time in service. The VA looks at the entire history of each veteran’s service when making a service-connection determination. This includes the veteran’s medical history, military records, and other information that may support the veteran’s claim. In order to make a valid determination, the VA must consider all of the evidence before making its decision. The VA may also consider how a veteran’s current condition is connected to his or her military service. For example, if a veteran’s service-connected disability has been the cause of an exacerbation of the veteran’s current condition, the VA may consider that in its determination. Once the VA has made its service-connection determination, the veteran may be eligible for a variety of benefits, including monthly monetary compensation and medical care. This compensation and care may be available to veterans who have a service-connection determination in New Jersey.

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