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Evidence checklist

Post-COVID Condition (Long COVID)

DC 635438 CFR § 4.88aInfectious Diseases

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 3 collected
Primary care or specialist records documenting long COVID symptomsCritical

Records from your doctor listing all your ongoing symptoms (fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, body aches, heart problems) and how long they have lasted after your COVID-19 infection.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking long COVID to serviceCritical

A medical opinion connecting your COVID-19 infection to military service, such as exposure during deployment, base outbreak, or duties that prevented isolation.

Private provider · independent opinion
Specialist evaluations for each affected body system

Records from specialists evaluating each long COVID symptom: pulmonology (breathing), cardiology (heart), neurology (brain fog, headaches), or rheumatology (joint pain, fatigue).

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Diagnostic tests and lab results

0 of 2 collected
Documentation of initial COVID-19 infectionCritical

Positive COVID test result (PCR or antigen), treatment records, or medical records from your initial COVID-19 illness.

Imaging or lab facility · records request
Diagnostic testing results (PFTs, cardiac tests, cognitive testing)

Results from pulmonary function tests, echocardiogram, exercise stress test, neuropsychological testing, or other objective tests measuring long COVID effects.

Imaging or lab facility · records request
03

Lay statements

0 of 3 collected
Documentation of functional impact and work limitations

Records showing how long COVID affects your ability to work, exercise, perform daily tasks, and maintain your pre-illness activity level.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
04

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
DBQ — Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or relevant condition-specific DBQ

Disability Benefits Questionnaire completed by your doctor. Long COVID is often rated under chronic fatigue syndrome criteria (DC 6354) or by each affected body system.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
05

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180

What you mark here is saved in this browser, on this device only — not to an account. Changing the target rating shows different items, but never loses what you have already marked.