DIRECT SERVICE CONNECTION
What are the three elements of direct service connection?
(1) Current disability, (2) In-service event/injury/illness, (3) Nexus.
What do presumptions help the veteran avoid proving?
An element of service connection (in-service event or nexus).
Under AMA, what are the three review options for a veteran dissatisfied with a VA decision?
Higher-Level Review, Supplemental Claim, Board Appeal.
What does TDIU stand for?
Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability.
PTSD is rated under which diagnostic code?
DC 9411.
Which element of service connection does the combat presumption in 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(d) help establish?
The in-service element.
Name one type of chronic disease listed under 38 C.F.R. § 3.309(a).
Examples: arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, etc.
Which AMA lane allows no new evidence?
Higher-Level Review.
Under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a), what are the schedular rating requirements for TDIU?
One disability at 60% OR one at 40% with combined rating of 70%.
True or False: A PTSD rating is based solely on the veteran’s diagnosis.
False — based on resulting occupational and social impairment.
True or False: Direct service connection requires medical evidence for every element.
False — lay evidence can establish some elements (e.g., in-service event, symptoms).
Under the chronicity/continuity pathway in § 3.303(b), a chronic disease shown in service is presumed service connected unless what exists?
An intercurrent cause.
Which AMA lane requires new and relevant evidence?
Supplemental Claim.
TDIU is based on the ability to secure and follow ________.
Substantially gainful employment.
Under the rating criteria for joints, what factors must VA consider under DeLuca?
Pain, weakness, fatigability, incoordination.
Name two of the most common claims of service connection and why?
Hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD.
Which regulation governs Gulf War undiagnosed illnesses and MUCMIs?
38 C.F.R. § 3.317.
Name two of the three Board review dockets.
Direct; Evidence Submission; Hearing.
Can a veteran receive TDIU while working?
Yes — if the employment is marginal.
Give two symptoms of a 70% PTSD rating.
Examples: suicidal ideation, near-continuous panic or depression, impaired impulse control.
Under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303(d), a condition diagnosed after service may still be service connected if ________.
The evidence establishes it was incurred in service.
Under § 3.317, name two types of qualifying conditions for Persian Gulf veterans.
Undiagnosed illnesses; medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illnesses (MUCMIs); infectious diseases.
If the Veteran wants the fastest possible Board decision, which docket should they choose and what form is it on?
Direct docket (no hearing, no new evidence)., VA Form 10182
Name one factor VA must NOT consider when deciding TDIU.
Age or non-service-connected disabilities.
What is the maximum rating for limitation of motion of the knee?
30% (unless rated under instability or replacement codes).