Direct Service Connection
VA Terminology Definition
Plain English Definition
When your disability was directly caused by something that happened during your military service - an injury, illness, or event while you were in.
Why This Matters
This is the most straightforward type of service connection. You need evidence of an in-service event and a medical link (nexus) to your current condition.
Example
You broke your ankle during a training exercise (documented in STRs), and now you have ankle arthritis. A doctor links the current arthritis to the old fracture.