What is presumptive service connection?

What is “Presumptive” Service Connection? VA presumes that certain disabilities were caused by military service. This is because of the unique circumstances of a specific Veteran’s military service. If a presumed condition is diagnosed in a Veteran within a certain group, they can be awarded disability compensation.

What are presumptive diseases recognized by the VA?

The following conditions are considered presumptive service connected for exposed veterans:

  • AL amyloidosis.
  • B-cell leukemia.
  • Bladder cancer.
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
  • Multiple myeloma.
  • Type 2 diabetes.
  • Hodgkin’s disease.
  • Hypothyroidism.

Can Agent Orange give you myasthenia gravis?

He explained that it is well documented in the medical literature that Agent Orange causes both autoimmune and neurologic dysfunctions, which are the nature of myasthenia gravis.

What is a presumptive VA claim?

WHAT IS “PRESUMPTIVE” SERVICE CONNECTION? VA presumes that specific disabilities diagnosed in certain veterans were caused by their military service. VA does this because of the unique circumstances of their military service.

How do you prove service connected disability?

You prove service connection of your disability by showing what is called “continuity of symptomatology“: that you have had continuous symptoms of your disability from service to diagnosis. You can prove a claim like this using only lay evidence – you do not need to provide a medical expert opinion.

What is the disease subject to presumptive service connection?

This is all thanks to Code of Federal Regulations Title 38, Section 3.309 (38 CFR § 3.309), entitled: Disease subject to presumptive service connection. This CFR section lists down all possible illnesses which the VA should presumably cover for compensation despite occurrence after active duty.

Are herbicide-exposure related diseases covered under presumptive service connection?

It urged the VA to presumptively recognize that herbicide exposure leads to cancer and other diseases even after the veteran’s time of duty. 38 CFR § 3.309 (e) lists herbicide-exposure related diseases coverable under presumptive service connection. Conditions: Proof of deployment to or near herbicide-exposed areas.

What is the VA presumptive list?

Veterans only need to fit specific conditions the VA has set for presumption known as VA Presumptive List. These presumptions are categorized according to (1) category of disease, (2) activity, and (3) location. 38 CFR § 3.309 (a) lists down all coverable presumptive chronic diseases.

Are prisoners of war exempt from 90 Day service presumptive rule?

Condition: Prisoners of War (POW) are exempted from the 90-day service presumptive rule. The disease must manifest to 10% or more within the first year of discharge from duty.