What must a claimant prove when a pre-service injury or disease was noted at entry?

When a claimant's pre-service injury or disease is noted at entry, it establishes that the condition existed prior to the individual entering active military service. To qualify for service-connected disability compensation, the claimant must demonstrate that this pre-existing condition worsened during their time in service. This principle is based on the understanding that although a condition was present before enlistment, any aggravation or increase in severity directly due to military service can entitle the individual to benefits.

The requirement to show worsening is rooted in the VA's evaluation of whether service members entered the military in a stable condition or if their circumstances changed due to their military experiences. Documentation of this aggravation can include medical records or testimonies that indicate a deterioration of health linked to military duties or environments.

Other options involve concepts that do not apply once a pre-existing condition is acknowledged. For instance, proving that a service-connected disability existed prior does not address the relationship between service and the condition's aggravation, while showing that the injury was caused by active military service or that a new injury occurred would not be relevant to the case where pre-existing conditions are already acknowledged. Thus, demonstrating that the pre-existing condition worsened during service is key for establishing entitlement to benefits.