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For many veterans, the road to VA benefits is complicated by health conditions that existed before they ever donned a uniform. Â
Known as Existed Prior to Service (EPTS) conditions, these physical or mental health issues (whether documented at enlistment or not) can impact both military careers and VA disability claims.
An EPTS discharge can occur when the military determines that a service member has a pre-existing condition that was not caused or aggravated by service. While this can limit eligibility for certain benefits, laws like the Presumption of Soundness offer vital protections, especially when military service has clearly worsened a condition.
This guide explains what an EPTS condition is, how EPTS discharges work, and how veterans can still qualify for benefits when service aggravation can be proven.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- EPTS Conditions: Medical issues that existed before military service and may or may not be documented at enlistment.
- EPTS Discharge: A non-punitive administrative separation when the military determines a pre-existing condition was not aggravated by service.
- Presumption of Soundness: If no condition was noted at enlistment, the VA presumes the service member was healthy.
- Service Aggravation: Worsening of a pre-existing condition due to service may qualify for VA benefits.
- 8-Year Rule: Veterans with 8+ years of active duty may receive benefits for EPTS conditions without proving aggravation.
What is an EPTS Condition?
An EPTS condition is any medical issue—physical or mental—that existed before a service member entered the military. These conditions can range from chronic illnesses and injuries to mental health disorders. The key factor is whether the condition was present before enlistment, regardless of documentation.
Common examples include:
- Orthopedic injuriesÂ
If a condition is documented during the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) examination, it is officially recognized as pre-existing. If not documented, the presumption is that the service member was in sound health at entry.
The VA Presumption of Soundness
The VA presumes that a service member was in sound condition upon entering service, except for any defects noted at that time. This “presumption of soundness” means that if no medical issues were recorded during the enlistment examination, any subsequent health problems are generally considered service-connected unless clear evidence indicates otherwise.
This presumption shifts the burden of proof to the VA to demonstrate that a condition existed prior to service and was not aggravated by it.
Related: What is the Presumption of Soundness in VA Disability?
Service Aggravation and EPTS Conditions
Even if a condition existed before service, veterans may be eligible for benefits if their duties aggravated it. Aggravation means an increase in disability during service, unless due to the natural progression of the condition.
Example: A service member with mild asthma that worsens due to exposure to environmental hazards during deployment could qualify for service-connected benefits.
Evidence to support service aggravation includes:
- Medical records showing condition progression
- Statements from healthcare providers
- Personal statements about symptom changes
More information on this can be found in the VA’s guidelines on aggravated service-connected disabilities.
Related: What’s a VA Disability Aggravated Service Connection?
Genetic and Hereditary Conditions
Some genetic or hereditary conditions, such as sickle cell anemia, may remain asymptomatic until triggered by service-related stressors. The VA recognizes that service can aggravate these conditions, making them eligible for benefits if worsening can be proven.
Documentation should include:
- Pre-service medical history
- Service medical records
- Post-service evaluations
EPTS Discharges and Military Policy
When a pre-existing condition is identified after enlistment, it can result in an EPTS discharge. Each branch handles these cases slightly differently, but the process typically involves:
- Medical evaluation confirming the condition existed prior to service
- Determination that the condition was not aggravated by service
- Administrative separation
Key points about EPTS discharges
- They are non-punitive but can impact VA benefits eligibility.
- They often occur early in a career—such as during basic training—when pre-existing issues surface under physical or mental stress.
- Veterans can still receive benefits if they prove the condition worsened due to service.
For those with 8+ years of active duty, the 8-Year Rule may allow benefits without proving aggravation.
Navigating the VA Claims Process for EPTS Conditions
Filing a claim for a condition that existed prior to service requires careful documentation and an understanding of VA policies. Veterans should:
- Gather Medical Records: Collect all relevant medical records, including pre-service, service treatment records, and post-service documentation.
- Obtain Medical Opinions: Secure statements from healthcare providers that detail the condition’s progression and its relation to service.
- Use DBQs: Completed Disability Benefits Questionnaires can provide structured medical evidence.
- Submit Personal Statements: Write detailed accounts of how the condition has affected daily life and how service may have contributed to its worsening.
Understanding the nuances of VA policies (like the presumption of soundness and service aggravation) is crucial. Veterans can benefit from reviewing the VA Disability List of Conditions and how conditions become service-connected.
Conclusion
The path to benefits for conditions that existed prior to service can be complex. An EPTS discharge doesn’t always mean the end of your eligibility, especially if you can prove service-related aggravation. Thorough documentation and a clear understanding of VA policy are critical to securing all the VA compensation and benefits you deserve.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EPTS condition?
An EPTS condition is a medical issue present before enlistment, documented or not.Â
What is an EPTS discharge?
An EPTS discharge is a non-punitive separation when a pre-existing condition is found not to have been aggravated by service.
Can I receive VA benefits for a pre-existing condition?
Yes, if you can prove the condition worsened due to service beyond its natural progression.
Can you still get VA compensation with an EPTS discharge?
Yes. Veterans with an EPTS (Existed Prior to Service) discharge may still qualify for VA disability compensation and benefits if they can prove their pre-existing condition was aggravated during military service. This means showing medical evidence that the condition worsened beyond its natural progression due to service-related duties, environmental factors, or events. Without clear proof of aggravation, an EPTS discharge typically limits eligibility for VA compensation.
What is the VA’s presumption of soundness?
The presumption of soundness means the VA assumes you were in good health when you entered service unless a condition was noted during your enlistment exam. If nothing was documented, the VA must consider later health issues service-connected, unless they have clear, unmistakable evidence that it existed before service and wasn’t aggravated by it.
Is EPTS the same as a pre-existing condition?
In military and VA terms, “Existed Prior to Service” (EPTS) is essentially another way of saying pre-existing condition. The difference is that EPTS is a formal classification used by the military when determining enlistment eligibility, medical discharges, and VA benefit eligibility.
Author
Eric Webb
Eric has written and worked in the field of Veterans Disability since 2020 and enjoys writing educational content for the veteran population. His prior work has been published in the Official Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). He holds a Degree in Health and Exercise Science.Â
