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Combat Veterans

For those who have witnessed the horrors of war first hand.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

  • There are NO an actual presumptive conditions!

    • HOWEVER, by being exposed to combat you have increased likelihood of developing certain conditions!

Common Conditions

Undocumented Injuries

The VA recognizes that in combat environments it may be impossible to have some injuries properly documented. As such, the VA CAN accept your Personal statement as proof of an in-service event of an injury or Aggravation of a preexisting condition.

Do know that your statement MUST be:

  • Satisfactory when considered alone (include the when, where, and how);

  • Consistent with the circumstances, conditions, or hardships of your service (records show you were in combat); AND

  • Factual (seriously do NOT submit fraudulent statements!).

Eligibility

Veterans who have been awarded any of the following badges, devices, ribbons, medals, OR who received combat pay (officially "hostile fire" or "imminent danger" pay).

Badges

  • Combat Action Badge;

  • Combat Aircrew Insignia;

  • Combat Infantryman Badge; and

  • Combat Medical Badge.

Devices

  • C Device - on any medal;

  • Combat Jump Device;

  • Fleet Marine Force Combat Operation Insignia; and

  • V Device - on any medal.

Medals

  • Air Force Combat Action Medal;

  • Air Force Cross;

  • Army Distinguished Service Cross;

  • Coast Guard Cross;

  • Congressional Medal of Honor;

  • Navy Cross;

  • Purple Heart; and

  • Silver Star.

Ribbons

  • Coast Guard Combat Action Ribbon;

  • Navy Combat Action Ribbon.

Frequently Asked Questions

    • Sometimes the VBA makes a mistake or they are missing evidence that would indicate you are a combat veteran. Such as your DD-214 is missing your combat awards. If this happens, it is strongly recommended that you seek out the assistance of a VSO to help you file an Appeal.

    Additionally,

    • If there is documentation that during service the Veteran's exposure was due to their own willful misconduct or that after the Veteran's separation there was a supervening condition or event that was more than likely the etiology of the disease, the Veteran may be denied service-connection.

References