How to File a VA Disability Claim
Complete step-by-step guide to filing your VA disability claim. Learn what evidence you need, how to submit your claim, and tips to strengthen your chances of approval.
What Is a VA Disability Claim?
A VA disability claim is a formal request for compensation benefits based on injuries or illnesses connected to your military service. The VA disability compensation application provides monthly tax-free payments to veterans with service-connected disabilities. These payments vary based on your disability rating, ranging from 10% to 100%.
Service connection disability VA requires proving three elements:
1. Current Diagnosis
A currently diagnosed medical condition
2. In-Service Event
An in-service event, injury, or illness
3. Medical Link
A medical link connecting your current condition to military service
Types of VA Disability Claims
Original Claim
An original claim is your first application for VA disability benefits for any condition. Most veterans start here when filing disability claims for the first time after separation from military service.
Reopened Claim
File a reopened claim if the VA previously denied your claim and you have new and relevant evidence that supports service connection. New evidence might include additional medical records, doctor examinations VA, or updated medical research connecting your condition to service.
New Claim
Submit a new claim when applying for compensation for a condition you haven't claimed before. Even if you currently receive benefits for other conditions, each new condition requires a separate claim.
Secondary Condition
A secondary condition is caused or made worse by a service-connected disability you already have. For example, if you have a service-connected knee injury that causes back problems, the back condition would be a secondary claim. Secondary conditions VA disability can significantly increase your combined disability rating.
Supplemental Claim
File a supplemental claim to provide new evidence after a VA decision. This option allows you to submit evidence VA disability without starting the appeals process.
VA Disability Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for disability compensation benefits, you must meet these basic requirements:
Service Requirements
- You served in active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training
- You received a discharge that wasn't dishonorable
Medical Requirements
- You have a current diagnosed physical or mental condition
- Your condition began during military service, or pre-existing conditions worsened during service
- You can establish a medical link between your current condition and service
Special Eligibility Categories
- Presumptive conditions: Certain illnesses presumed to be service-connected (like Agent Orange exposure or Gulf War illness)
- Pre-discharge claims: File up to 180 days before separation from active duty
- Prisoner of war conditions: Former POWs with specific conditions receive presumptive service connection
Evidence Needed for Your Disability Claim
Strong evidence is critical for claim approval timeline. The VA needs proof of your current condition, service connection, and medical link.
Medical Evidence Requirements
Current Medical Records:
- Recent diagnosis from a healthcare provider
- Treatment records from VA or private doctors
- Lab test results, X-rays, MRIs, or other diagnostic imaging
- Prescription medication lists
- Medical opinions linking your condition to service
Timeline Tip: Medical evidence from the past 12 months carries more weight than older records.
Service Records
DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge):
This document verifies your service dates and discharge status. You'll need this for nearly every VA benefit application.
Service Medical Records:
- Entrance examination records
- Service treatment records (STRs)
- Sick call records
- Line of duty determinations
- Medical board findings
Personnel Records:
- Performance evaluations
- Awards and decorations
- Unit assignments
- Deployment records
Finding Records: Request service records through the National Personnel Records Center or download them from milConnect if you're a recent veteran.
Supporting Statements
Personal Statement Disability:
Write a detailed account of:
- When symptoms started
- How the condition occurred during service
- How the condition affects your daily life
- Work limitations caused by your condition
- Activities you can no longer do
Buddy Statements:
Lay statements VA claim from fellow service members, family, or friends who witnessed your injury or symptoms. These statements should include:
- The person's relationship to you
- What they personally observed
- Specific dates or time periods
- How they saw your condition affect you
Example:
"I served with Veteran Smith in Iraq from 2010-2011. I witnessed the IED explosion on June 15, 2010, that injured his back. Since then, I observed him struggling with back pain during routine patrols and physical training."
Nexus Letters
A nexus letter is a medical opinion from a doctor stating your current condition is "at least as likely as not" connected to your military service. Many claims are decided based on whether you have a strong nexus opinion.
What Makes a Strong Nexus Letter:
- Written by a qualified medical professional
- References your service records and current diagnosis
- Uses the phrase "at least as likely as not" (50% or greater probability)
- Explains the medical reasoning for the connection
- Cites medical literature or studies when relevant
How to File Your VA Disability Claim
You have several options for submitting your disability claim. Choose the method that works best for your situation.
File Online Through VA.gov (Recommended)
Filing online is the fastest and most convenient option. The VA claim status online portal guides you through each step.
Step-by-Step Process:
- 1
Create or Sign In to Your VA.gov Account
Go to VA.gov and create an account using ID.me, Login.gov, or DS Logon. Verify your identity through the authentication process.
- 2
Start Your Application
Navigate to "Disability" then "File a disability claim". Select "File a claim for compensation". Choose the type of claim you're filing.
- 3
Add Conditions
List each condition you're claiming. Provide the approximate date symptoms began. Indicate if it's a new condition or secondary to existing disability.
- 4
Upload Supporting Evidence
Submit medical records, buddy statements, and other documentation. Accepted formats: PDF, JPEG, PNG (up to 100MB total). Label each file clearly.
- 5
Complete Additional Forms
Answer questions about treatment history. Authorize VA to request private medical records. Provide employment and education information if claiming unemployability.
- 6
Review and Submit
Double-check all information for accuracy. Submit your claim electronically. Save your confirmation number.
Processing Time: Online claims typically process faster than mail submissions. Average claim decision timeline is 135 days, but complex claims may take longer.
File by Mail
If you prefer paper applications, you can mail your claim to the VA.
- 1. Complete VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation)
- Download from VA.gov or request by calling 1-800-827-1000
- Fill out all sections completely
- Sign and date the form
- 2. Gather Supporting Documents
- Make copies of all evidence (keep originals)
- Organize documents by condition
- Create a cover sheet listing all included documents
- 3. Mail to Your Regional Office
- Find your VA Regional Office address at VA.gov/find-locations
- Send via certified mail for tracking
- Keep copies of everything you submit
Mail Processing: Paper claims take longer to process than online submissions. Expect 2-4 weeks before your claim appears in the VA system.
File with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO)
Veteran service officer disability claim help is free and can significantly improve your chances of approval.
Benefits of Using a VSO:
- Expert guidance on claim preparation
- Help gathering and organizing evidence
- Assistance writing personal statements
- Representation throughout the appeals procedure
- No cost to veterans
How to Find a VSO:
- Contact national organizations: American Legion, VFW, DAV, AMVETS
- Visit your local VA Regional Office
- Search the VSO directory at VA.gov
- Ask at your county veterans service office
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' errors to strengthen your claim.
Insufficient Medical Evidence
Mistake: Filing without current medical records or diagnosis.
Solution: Get examined by a doctor within 12 months of filing. Current medical evidence requirements show your condition exists today.
Vague Condition Descriptions
Mistake: Listing "back pain" without details.
Solution: Be specific: "Lumbar strain with radiculopathy, limited range of motion, and chronic pain requiring daily medication."
Missing Service Connection Link
Mistake: Failing to explain how the condition relates to service.
Solution: Provide clear documentation: service incident reports, buddy statements, service medical records showing initial injury or treatment.
Not Attending C&P Exams
Mistake: Missing scheduled compensation and pension exams.
Solution: Attend all appointments. If you must reschedule, call immediately. Missed exams often result in claim denials.
Downplaying Symptoms
Mistake: Describing your best days instead of typical or worst days.
Solution: Honestly explain how your condition affects you on bad days. Describe limitations in work, daily activities, and relationships.
Not Claiming All Conditions
Mistake: Filing for only the most severe condition.
Solution: Claim everything service-connected. Rating increase standards may apply, and secondary conditions can significantly boost your rating.
Tips for a Stronger Claim
Be Thorough and Specific
Provide detailed information about each condition: exact diagnosis, when symptoms started, how the condition occurred in service, current treatment and medications, and how it affects daily life and work.
Document Everything
Keep records of all VA correspondence, submission dates and confirmation numbers, medical appointments and treatments, daily symptom journals, and work limitations.
Get Private Medical Opinions
If VA examinations seem inadequate, obtain independent medical examinations. A strong nexus letter from a private doctor can make the difference in borderline cases.
Claim Secondary Conditions
Your service-connected disabilities often cause additional problems. Common secondary conditions include: back injury causing hip or leg pain, tinnitus secondary to hearing loss, depression secondary to chronic pain, and sleep apnea secondary to PTSD.
Use the Fully Developed Claim Program
Submit all evidence with your initial application through the FDC program. This can expedite claim processing timeline by 30-60 days.
Work with Accredited Representatives
Veteran service officer disability claim help significantly increases approval rates. VSOs know rating criteria documentation and can identify overlooked conditions.
Need Help Filing Your Claim?
Our team can help you navigate the VA disability claim process. We provide personalized guidance to strengthen your claim and maximize your chances of approval.