Honorably discharged for Pre-Existing Condition

Question:

I was honorably discharged for a preexisting condition from the Marine Corp in 1979 after 1.5 years active duty. I applied for VA disability and was denied in 1980 and 1981. Should I have been medically discharged without benefits?  Look forward in hearing from you. Thank you, Sir, for your service to your country and fellow Veterans.

Jim's Reply:

I can't say whether or not you should have been discharged without benefits and I don't know why your benefits were denied. I can tell you that although the disability system doesn't directly award ratings and benefits for conditions that existed before your service, there are benefits for conditions aggravated by service. If your pre-existing condition became worse because of military service, you may have a claim.