Service Connection
VA Terminology Definition
Plain English Definition
Proving your disability is directly linked to something that happened during your military service. This is the foundation of any VA disability claim.
Why This Matters
Without establishing service connection, you cannot receive disability compensation. The VA must agree that your condition is related to your military service before they'll pay benefits.
Example
If you injured your back lifting equipment in basic training, that back pain is 'service-connected' because it happened during military service.