Prepare Your VA Claim

Read this first

Lock your date first

An intent to file holds your place for up to one year while you gather evidence. Do this before you start collecting anything.

• I filed an intent to file, or I started the online application (VA sets the date when you begin it)
• I wrote down the date I filed it

How a VA disability claim actually works · How to help your own claim move

Check the presumptive lists

For some conditions you do not have to prove your service caused them. VA says you only need to meet the service requirements. Check before you spend a month chasing medical proof.

• I checked VA's presumptive conditions, including the PACT Act list

VA: The PACT Act and your VA benefits · VA: Disability eligibility · Presumptive conditions by era

Pick your claim type

Which one fits where you are?

• A first claim: How a claim works
• A condition that got worse: When to ask VA for a rating increase
• A condition caused by one you already have rated: Secondary conditions
• A condition you may not have thought to claim: Disabilities veterans forget to claim

• I know which kind of claim I am filing

Gather your evidence

VA has a duty to assist. Some of the work is VA's, and some is yours.

• I know VA gets my service records, VA medical records and other federal records
• For private medical records, I will sign the release forms so VA can request them
• I wrote my statement with real detail: how often, how long, how bad, what sets it off, what it stops me doing
• I asked for statements from people who see how I am now (buddy statements)
• I know what the VA exam is and I will not miss it

What good claim evidence looks like · Preparing for your C&P exam · Get a copy of your VA claims file

File the claim

You have five ways in: online, by mail, in person at a VA regional office, by fax, or with the help of a trained professional. You are not stuck with the website.

• I know the form: VA Form 21-526EZ
• I filed the complete claim inside my one-year window

VA: How to file a VA disability claim

Get free, accredited help

VA recognizes three kinds of representative: an accredited attorney, an accredited claims agent, and an accredited VSO representative. A VSO representative cannot charge you. An attorney or claims agent may charge, but only after VA issues notice of an initial decision. Someone who is not accredited may not represent you.

• I contacted an accredited VSO representative, or I chose one

VA: Get help from a VA accredited representative or VSO · Veteran scams and claim sharks

After you file

Check your effective date, read the decision, and know your options if it is wrong.

• Effective dates and back pay
• Ten reasons claims get denied, and how to fix each
• Appealing a VA decision
• Plan Your VA Claim: the full six-step path