VA Claims 101: Getting Started with Your Disability Claim

Filing a VA disability claim can feel overwhelming, especially if you're doing it for the first time. This guide breaks the process down into manageable steps so you know exactly what to expect.

What Is a VA Disability Claim?

A VA disability claim is a formal request to the Department of Veterans Affairs for compensation related to a service-connected condition. If the VA determines that your condition is related to your military service, you may receive monthly tax-free payments based on your disability rating.

Before You File

Before submitting your claim, gather the following:

Service treatment records (STRs): These document any injuries, illnesses, or conditions you experienced during service. If you don't have copies, you can request them from the National Personnel Records Center.
Post-service medical records: Any treatment you've received since leaving the military. These establish continuity of care and current severity.
A nexus: The connection between your current condition and your military service. This can come from medical records, a doctor's opinion, or a nexus letter.

The Claims Process

Step 1: File Your Intent to File

Submitting an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) establishes your effective date up to one year before your formal claim. This means if your claim is approved, your benefits may be backdated to this date.

Step 2: Gather Your Evidence

Strong claims are built on evidence. The three pillars of a successful claim are:

Current diagnosis: A medical professional has diagnosed you with the condition you're claiming.
In-service event: Something happened during your service that caused or contributed to your condition.
Nexus: A medical opinion linking your current condition to the in-service event.

Step 3: Submit Your Claim

You can file online through VA.gov, by mail using VA Form 21-526EZ, or with the help of a Veterans Service Organization (VSO). Filing online is generally the fastest option.

Step 4: Attend Your C&P Exam

The VA will likely schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to assess your condition. This exam is not a treatment appointment — it's an evaluation. Be honest about your worst days, not your best.

Step 5: Receive Your Decision

After reviewing your evidence and C&P exam results, the VA will issue a rating decision. This letter tells you whether your claim was approved, your disability rating percentage, and your monthly compensation amount.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not filing an Intent to File first: You could lose months of backdated benefits.
Underreporting symptoms at your C&P exam: Describe your condition on your worst days, not your best.
Missing the connection to service: Without a clear nexus, even well-documented conditions can be denied.
Filing too many conditions at once without evidence: Quality over quantity. Each condition needs its own evidence package.

Next Steps

Use the tools on Legatus to strengthen your claim:

Condition Rating Guides — Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level
C&P Exam Prep — Prepare for your Compensation & Pension exam
Evidence Checklists — Know exactly what evidence to gather for your specific condition
Rating Calculator — Estimate your combined disability rating

Before You File

Before submitting your claim, gather the following:

Service treatment records (STRs): These document any injuries, illnesses, or conditions you experienced during service. If you don't have copies, you can request them from the National Personnel Records Center.

Post-service medical records: Any treatment you've received since leaving the military. These establish continuity of care and current severity.

A nexus: The connection between your current condition and your military service. This can come from medical records, a doctor's opinion, or a nexus letter.

The Claims Process

Strong claims are built on evidence. The three pillars of a successful claim are:

Current diagnosis: A medical professional has diagnosed you with the condition you're claiming.

In-service event: Something happened during your service that caused or contributed to your condition.

Nexus: A medical opinion linking your current condition to the in-service event.

You can file online through VA.gov, by mail using VA Form 21-526EZ, or with the help of a Veterans Service Organization (VSO). Filing online is generally the fastest option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not filing an Intent to File first: You could lose months of backdated benefits.

Underreporting symptoms at your C&P exam: Describe your condition on your worst days, not your best.

Missing the connection to service: Without a clear nexus, even well-documented conditions can be denied.

Filing too many conditions at once without evidence: Quality over quantity. Each condition needs its own evidence package.

Next Steps

Use the tools on Legatus to strengthen your claim:

Condition Rating Guides — Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level

C&P Exam Prep — Prepare for your Compensation & Pension exam

Evidence Checklists — Know exactly what evidence to gather for your specific condition

Rating Calculator — Estimate your combined disability rating