What must a veteran demonstrate to qualify for benefits linked to a service-connected disability?

To qualify for benefits linked to a service-connected disability, a veteran must demonstrate a direct link between their military service and the condition for which they are seeking benefits. This means there must be clear evidence that the disability resulted from an injury or illness incurred or aggravated by military service. This requirement ensures that benefits are provided to those whose conditions are genuinely related to their time in service, recognizing the connection between their military duties and the health issues they face.

Other criteria, like having an honorable discharge or specific lengths of service, do play significant roles in other aspects of eligibility for benefits but do not directly address the necessity for establishing a causal relationship between service and disability. Similarly, while a full medical history can support a claim, it is the direct connection to military service that is the essential requirement for establishing entitlement to benefits. Thus, the focus on demonstrating this direct link is crucial for accessing the appropriate support and benefits intended for veterans.