CAVC Decision June 7, 1995

Caluza

Caluza v. Brown, 7 Vet. App. 498 (1995)

Three Elements Required for Service Connection

Summary

This foundational case established the three essential elements required to establish service connection for a VA disability claim. The Court held that a claimant must show: (1) a current disability, (2) an in-service incurrence or aggravation of a disease or injury, and (3) a nexus (connection) between the current disability and the in-service event. This framework, known as the 'Caluza elements,' is applied to virtually every service connection claim.

Key Points

  • Three elements must be proven for service connection
  • Element 1: Current disability (medical diagnosis)
  • Element 2: In-service event, injury, or disease
  • Element 3: Nexus linking current disability to service
  • All three elements must be satisfied for a grant of service connection
  • This framework applies to direct service connection claims

When This Applies

This case applies to ALL direct service connection claims. If you're filing a claim, you need to provide evidence supporting each of these three elements. Missing any one element will result in denial. When preparing your claim, organize your evidence around these three requirements.