The disability was caused directly by an event, injury, or illness during active military service.
The disability is presumed to be related to military service due to the existence of certain conditions or exposure during service, even if there is no direct evidence linking them. For example, certain illnesses in veterans exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War are presumptively service-connected.
A disability that is a result of or aggravated by another service-connected disability. Essentially, it's a condition that arises due to an already recognized service-connected condition.
If a veteran entered service with a pre-existing condition, and that condition was made worse (aggravated) by their military service, then the aggravated portion can be service-connected.
Suppose a veteran's disability was caused or aggravated by VA medical care, VA vocational rehabilitation, or participation in a VA Compensated Work Therapy program. In that case, it can be service-connected under 38 USC § 1151.
Specific to veterans exposed to herbicides like Agent Orange during service, leading to certain diseases.
Certain diseases are presumed service-connected if the veteran was a former POW.
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