What is essential for a claimant to establish in a disability compensation claim?

For a disability compensation claim, it is essential for the claimant to provide evidence that links their condition to military service. This is fundamental because the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adjudicates claims based on service connection, which requires a clear demonstration that the disability or health condition was incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

Establishing this connection often involves submitting medical records, service treatment records, or expert opinions that affirm the presence of a disability and its relationship to military activities. Without this critical evidence, a claim cannot be substantiated, and the veteran may be denied the benefits they are seeking. This aspect of the claims process emphasizes the necessity of showing that the service member's military experiences directly contributed to their current health issues.

The other choices do not address the core requirement of establishing service connection, which is central to the claims process. Financial need, a minimal level of disability, and prior claims approved by the VA, while they may be factors in certain contexts, do not replace the fundamental need to demonstrate that the condition is linked to military service.