In-Service Event
VA Terminology Definition
Plain English Definition
Something that happened during your military service that caused or contributed to your current disability.
Why This Matters
For direct service connection, you need three things: (1) current disability, (2) in-service event/injury, and (3) nexus between them. The in-service event can be an injury, illness, exposure, or traumatic experience.
Example
The in-service event for your back claim is the helicopter crash documented in your STRs from 2008. For hearing loss, it might be exposure to artillery fire without hearing protection.