Service connection is how VA formally acknowledges that your disability is related to your military service. A condition can be service-connected because it began in service, because it was caused by something in service (like an injury or exposure), or because it was aggravated by service. When VA grants your claim of service connection, it means the condition can be considered for VA disability compensation (and often opens the door to other VA benefits, depending on your situation). Once your claim is granted, VA will assign a rating based upon the severity of the condition.

However, proving that your condition is linked to service is rarely as simple as telling VA that your condition exists. In many cases, proving that the condition is related to service requires supporting medical evidence and involves complex legal arguments. Some of the most common obstacles Veterans run into when pursuing their claims include:

• Missing or incomplete service treatment records (or the VA claiming there’s “no in-service documentation”)

• VA finding that there’s no nexus (medical link) between service and the current condition

• Unfavorable C&P opinions

• VA failing to consider aggravation

• VA ignoring medical evidence favorable to the claim, or minimizing symptoms

How we help with service connection claims and appeals

The legal team at Talton Hukill brings more than a decade of experience in dealing with the intricacies of the VA claims process, particularly when it comes to overcoming VA denials. We’ll help you:

• Navigate the VA appeals process

• Identify missing evidence

• Gather evidence the VA needs to grant service connection

• Challenge C&P examinations and medical opinions that are inadequate

• Appeal your claim after it has been denied

We understand the frustration that veterans face when their claims are denied. If you believe that your condition is related to service, or your claim was wrongly denied, contact us today.