Service-Connected

For a condition to be considered service-connected, its connection to service MUST be clearly documented in an official record, like a medical record, while the service member is still in the military (except, of course, Conditions Caused by Service-Connected Conditions), or it will not be eligible to receive Military Disability.

Conditions Caused While in the Military

The goal of Military Disability is to compensate all veterans for any conditions that they incurred because of military service. The laws in place define these conditions as ones incurred in combat, on duty, and in training.

This is expanded further, however, to include any and every condition that occurs or is diagnosed during a service member’s time in the military, even when off duty.

So if Beth breaks her ankle during training, strains her back while playing basketball with her friends on the weekend, or is diagnosed with cancer, all while she is an active duty military member, each of these conditions will be considered service-connected.