What is required for a new theory of Service Connection to be considered in a claim?

For a new theory of Service Connection to be considered in a claim, it is essential to present new and relevant evidence. This means that the evidence should not have been previously considered in the context of the claim and must directly relate to the service connection of the veteran's condition. This requirement ensures that the claim is reviewed with fresh information that could influence the decision-making process.

The underlying principle is that without new and relevant evidence, there is no basis for re-evaluating the already adjudicated claim. The evidence must demonstrate an altered understanding or context of the veteran's service and how it connects to their current health status, potentially resulting in a reevaluation of the claim under a new theory.

While aspects such as previous denials or changes in the law may play a role in other contexts, they do not specifically address the criteria for introducing a new service connection theory. Similarly, although a verified physical condition is important for establishing service connection, it does not address the requirement of introducing new and relevant evidence to support the newly proposed theory.