How to File a VA Disability Claim: Step-by-Step Guide for Veterans

Filing a VA disability claim can feel overwhelming, especially if you're doing it for the first time. But it doesn't have to be complicated. This guide walks you through every step of the process, from gathering evidence to submitting your claim, so you can get the benefits you earned through your service.

What is a VA Disability Claim?

A VA disability claim is your formal request for monthly compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) based on service-connected disabilities or conditions. If you were injured or developed a medical condition during your military service, you may be eligible for disability compensation.

The VA assigns disability ratings from 0% to 100% based on the severity of your condition. Your monthly compensation depends on your combined disability rating. For example, a 30% rating might get you around $500/month, while a 100% rating could exceed $3,700/month (rates vary by year and dependents).

Before You File: What You Need to Know

Eligibility Requirements

To file a VA disability claim, you must meet these basic requirements:

• Veteran status: You must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
• Service connection: Your disability must be connected to your military service
• Current diagnosis: You need a current medical diagnosis of the condition

Types of Claims

There are several types of VA disability claims:

• Original claim: Your first claim for a specific condition
• Reopened claim: A new claim for a condition previously denied
• New claim: A claim for a new condition not previously claimed
• Secondary claim: A claim for a condition caused by a service-connected disability
• Increase claim: Request to increase the rating for an existing service-connected condition

Step 1: Gather Your Evidence

Strong evidence is the foundation of a successful claim. The VA requires three main elements to approve your claim:

1. Current diagnosis: Medical records showing you currently have the condition
2. In-service event: Evidence the injury or condition occurred during service
3. Nexus (link): Medical opinion connecting your current condition to your service

Documents You'll Need

• DD-214: Your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
• Service treatment records (STRs): Medical records from your time in service
• VA medical records: Records from VA healthcare facilities
• Private medical records: Records from civilian doctors
• Lay statements: Written statements from you, family, or fellow service members describing your condition
• Nexus letter: A letter from a doctor connecting your condition to service (if available)

Pro tip: Don't wait until you have every piece of evidence to file. You can submit your claim and add evidence later. The VA will also order some records on your behalf.

Step 2: Understand How Ratings Work

The VA uses diagnostic codes from the Code of Federal Regulations (38 CFR Part 4) to rate disabilities. Each condition has specific criteria for rating percentages (0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 100%, etc.).

For example, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is always rated at 10%, while PTSD can range from 0% to 100% depending on symptom severity.

If you have multiple service-connected disabilities, the VA uses a specific formula to calculate your "combined rating." This isn't simple addition - the VA uses the "whole person" concept, meaning each disability is applied to the remaining "whole" after the previous one.

Step 3: Choose How to File

You have several options for submitting your claim:

Option 1: File Online (Recommended)

Filing online through VA.gov is the fastest and easiest method. You'll need to create a VA.gov account (or use Login.gov, ID.me, or My HealtheVet credentials).

Advantages:

• Submit 24/7 from anywhere
• Track your claim status in real-time
• Upload evidence directly
• Fastest processing times

Option 2: Work with a VSO (Veterans Service Officer)

VSOs are trained representatives from organizations like the American Legion, VFW, or DAV. They help veterans file claims for free.

Advantages:

• Expert guidance through the process
• Help gathering and organizing evidence
• Representation during appeals
• 100% free service

Option 3: Mail or In-Person

You can also file by mail (VA Form 21-526EZ) or in person at your regional VA office. These methods are slower but may work better if you prefer paper forms.

Important: Avoid claim sharks - companies that charge 20-33% of your back pay to help with claims. Everything they do, a VSO will do for free. Your VA benefits are for you and your family, not a middleman's profit.

Step 4: Complete VA Form 21-526EZ

VA Form 21-526EZ is the Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. Whether you file online or on paper, you'll need to provide:

• Personal information (name, SSN, date of birth, contact info)
• Military service history
• List of claimed conditions
• Treatment history for each condition
• Employment and income information
• Dependent information (if applicable)

Be specific about your conditions. Instead of saying "back pain," say "lumbar strain" or "degenerative disc disease at L4-L5." Use the proper medical terminology when possible, and reference the diagnostic code if you know it.

Step 5: Submit Your Claim

Once you've completed the form and gathered your evidence, submit your claim through your chosen method. If filing online, you'll upload documents directly. If using a VSO, they'll handle the submission.

Remember your filing date. This is your "intent to file" date, which locks in your effective date for back pay. Even if the VA takes months to process your claim, you'll receive back pay from this date if approved.

Step 6: Attend Your C&P Exam (If Required)

After you file, the VA may schedule you for a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. This is a medical exam performed by a VA or contractor physician to evaluate your claimed conditions.

C&P Exam Tips:

• Show up on time (or you'll have to reschedule)
• Be honest about your symptoms - don't exaggerate or downplay
• Describe your worst days, not your best days
• Bring a list of all medications and treatments you've tried
• Explain how the condition impacts your daily life and work

The examiner will write a report that the VA uses to assign your rating. This exam is critical, so take it seriously.

Step 7: Wait for the Decision

VA claim processing times vary widely - from a few months to over a year in some cases. You can check your claim status online through VA.gov or eBenefits.

The VA will send you a decision letter explaining:

• Which conditions were service-connected (approved)
• The assigned rating percentage for each condition
• Your combined disability rating
• Monthly compensation amount
• Effective date for back pay
• Your appeal rights (if you disagree with the decision)

What If Your Claim is Denied?

If the VA denies your claim or assigns a lower rating than you expected, don't give up. You have several options:

• Request a Higher-Level Review: A senior reviewer looks at your claim with fresh eyes
• Supplemental Claim: Submit new evidence and have your claim reviewed again
• Board Appeal: Request a review by the Board of Veterans' Appeals

Most denied claims fail due to insufficient evidence, not because the condition isn't legitimate. Work with a VSO or attorney to strengthen your evidence and file an appeal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Filing before gathering evidence: While you don't need everything, having solid evidence upfront speeds up the process
• Missing your C&P exam: This can delay or derail your claim
• Not describing symptom severity: The VA needs to understand how your condition impacts daily life
• Paying for help you can get for free: Use VSOs, not claim sharks
• Giving up after a denial: Many successful claims were initially denied - appeals work

Final Thoughts

Filing a VA disability claim takes time and effort, but it's worth it. These benefits are compensation for sacrifices you made in service to your country. You earned them.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, remember: you don't have to do this alone. Free resources like VSOs, online tools, and veteran communities are here to help. Take it one step at a time, gather your evidence, and file your claim.

You've already done the hard part - serving your country. Now it's time to get the support you deserve.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered legal or medical advice. Always consult official VA resources and a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for guidance specific to your situation.