Can a veteran establish service connection for a condition not documented in their service records?

Establishing service connection for a condition not documented in service records can indeed be accomplished by presenting medical evidence. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes that not all conditions will be recorded in service records, especially if they have manifested after a veteran's service or were not apparent during active duty.

For a veteran seeking to establish service connection, the key factor is the evidence that links the condition to their military service. This can include medical opinions or evaluations that provide a nexus between the veteran's current health condition and their service. VA regulations allow for such connections to be made through credible medical evidence even if the condition did not show up in service documentation.

Significantly, other options suggest limitations that do not accurately reflect the VA’s flexibility and understanding of veterans' health issues. For instance, denying all claims based on lack of service documentation overlooks the veteran's right to submit additional evidence. Similarly, the stipulation that connection is only possible within a specific time frame post-service or exclusively for chronic conditions does not align with the broader provisions under the VA that allow for claims to be supported by a variety of evidence sources.