Is there a minimum length of service requirement for direct service connection?

The correct understanding regarding the minimum length of service requirement for direct service connection is that there is no specific minimum length of service mandated by the Veterans Administration for a condition to be service-connected. This means that veterans can establish a direct service connection for a disability regardless of how long they were on active duty, whether it was for a single day or for a career spanning several years.

This principle supports the notion that the focus for establishing a direct service connection is on the relationship between the veteran's current disability and their military service, rather than the duration of that service. The criteria for service connection hinge more on whether the disability was incurred or aggravated during their time in military service, and less on the length of time served.

While there may be other benefits or programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs that have specific length of service criteria, direct service connection does not impose those types of requirements.