Which of the following is NOT one of the components required for Direct Service Connection?

The concept of Direct Service Connection is fundamental in determining a veteran's eligibility for benefits when a disability is linked to their military service. For a claim to be established, four key components must be present:

1. A current disability must be established, meaning the veteran is currently suffering from a diagnosed condition.

2. A disease or injury in service is necessary, which confirms that the veteran experienced a relevant medical event or condition during their time in military service.

3. A nexus linking the disability to service signifies that there must be a causal relationship between the in-service disease or injury and the current disability, establishing that the condition can be traced back to the time spent in service.

The component identified as occurring after service does not belong to this criteria. For Direct Service Connection, one cannot claim a disability that developed solely after leaving military service. This distinction is crucial as it underscores the requirement for the disability to stem directly from actions or exposures experienced while serving. Thus, this understanding clarifies that only disabilities stemming from in-service events or periods of service qualify under the Direct Service Connection framework.