Which condition would be considered compensable by the PEB?

• A. A new injury unrelated to service
• B. Temporary illness resolved before MEB
• C. A pre-existing condition permanently aggravated due to military service
• D. Condition unrelated to service

Answer: (C)

The key idea is service connection: a disability is compensable when military service caused it or permanently worsened it. A pre-existing condition that is permanently aggravated by military service becomes service-connected, so it qualifies for compensation through the PEB. In other words, if service makes a condition worse in a lasting, permanent way, that worsening is considered caused by service and is eligible for evaluation and pay.

A new injury that began in service but isn’t connected to service, or a temporary illness that resolves before the medical evaluation, doesn’t leave a lasting impairment tied to service, so it isn’t compensable. Similarly, a condition that isn’t related to military service isn’t compensable.