A Guide to navigate the VA disability claims system.
This is a guide, from one vet to another—It is not legal, medical, or financial advice. VA rules change frequently, and I will update the data as soon as possible. However, please verify all information on va.gov or consult an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO), attorney, or claims agent. Organizations such as DAV, VFW, or American Legion offer this assistance at no cost. Professional assistance significantly improves success rates; use this guide as a starting point.
When I first filed after I was discharged, I hesitated; I thought others needed the support more than I did, and asking for help felt like a sign of weakness. When I finally filed for disability, the initial denial hit me hard. I was shocked and embarrassed by the rejection and disappointment. I closed that door and didnt want to address it again for as hurt as I was, I was upset as well. I gave a part of me to the military and was upset that I was treated (in my mind) poorly. For years, I managed on my own, not fully addressing my service-connected issues, convinced I didn’t qualify and I would not be approved.
The truth is, your service matters, and the VA system, despite its flaws, provides ratings and benefits that are rightfully yours. This guide was put together from data that helped me navigate the process. I have personally helped many vets navigate the system with this data. It’s practical advice from experience—let’s move forward together, step by step.
Let’s go through this process clearly—I’ve been in your position, so I’ll explain each step, why it matters, and how to handle it. Build a strong case from the start and use free support when available. The typical timeline for an initial claim is 6-12 months (shorter for straightforward cases, longer for complex ones), with back-pay often making the wait worthwhile. DON’T GIVE UP!
Starting without a plan can lead to setbacks. VA Raters have 3 steps to their process.
Quick Eligibility Overview: The condition must connect to your service, such as an in-service injury, aggravation during service, or presumptive conditions (e.g., Agent Orange exposure). Even a 0% rating provides priority healthcare access. Review your DD-214 for details.
Monthly Compensation Rates (Effective Dec 1, 2024): Rates adjust annually with cost-of-living increases. Below are amounts for a single veteran with no dependents—at 30% or higher, add amounts for a spouse, children, or dependent parents. Use the calculator on va.gov for your specifics; additional amounts apply for spouses, dependents, parents, etc…
Mental Preparation: The process can take time and be stressful. Go into this knowing it’s a 3+ month endeavor for your first decision letter. If you get denied, don’t give up. There are many options, such as higher-level reviews, Appeals, and re-filing with more evidence.
Free Support: Contact a VSO through va.gov or organizations like DAV, American Legion, or VFW. They can assist with submitting claims, explaining processes, and requesting updates at no cost. There are many free services; some are better than others. My county here in Florida has a state-funded office, and I can never get a hold of the guy, and when I do, he’s a prick. Shop around for someone you feel good with!
The ITF (intent to file) acts as a placeholder to establish your effective date for the claim for retroactive pay. Filing soon maximizes benefits—for example, a claim filed 6 months ago is awarded a 50% rating at $1,102 monthly, which would have an initial deposit into your account for $6612.
How to File:
Online (Recommended): Log in to va.gov, create an account if needed, select “File a Disability Compensation Claim,” and choose “Intent to File.” Takes 5-10 minutes.
Phone: Call 1-800-827-1000 (8 a.m.-9 p.m. ET, weekdays) and request an ITF for compensation.
Mail or In-Person: Download VA Form 21-0966 from va.gov, mail it to your regional office (locate via va.gov/find-locations), or visit in person.
Required Information: Basic details—name, SSN, service dates and branch, contact info, and a brief list of conditions (e.g., “knee injury from training”). No full evidence required yet; you can add it later.
Key Notes: This is not the complete claim—it’s a reservation. If already rated, specify if it’s for an increase or new conditions. Monitor progress on va.gov.
Typical time: Processed instantly; one-year window to complete the whole claim (timeline depends on evidence gathering).
If you are experiencing financial hardship, you may be able to get priority processing for your claim. Click here for that form.
The VA requires proof of diagnosis, an in-service event, and a connection (nexus). Insufficient evidence leads to a majority of denials. Compile medical, service, and personal statements to build a straightforward narrative.
Obtain Records: Service treatment records (STRs) from eBenefits.va.gov or archives.gov (free, but may take 1-12 months)—civilian medical records through release forms or My HealtheVet.
Service Documents: DD-214 and personnel files—request from milConnect or the VA.
Supporting Items: Incident reports, photos, or logs that link to service.
Lay Statements/letters from friends,family,service members – Essential, Include Them:
Your Personal Statement (VA Form 21-10210): Write 1-2 pages in your own words. VA raters may not understand military life, so describe your job/role in service (e.g., MOS for Army, NEC for Navy, AFSC for Air Force) and daily duties (e.g., “Carrying heavy equipment as an infantryman”), the sense of duty and teamwork, and specific exposures or incidents (e.g., “Repeated blasts affected my hearing”). Establish the nexus: “The 2008 IED incident started this, and it persists today.” Address the military culture that encourages enduring pain without reporting it, driven by unit pride (I remember being asked by my SSG Are you hurt or are you injured). Detail current impacts on work, family, and daily life (e.g., “Constant ear ringing disrupts conversations and isolates me”). Sign it personally to make the case feel real.
Buddy Statements: Letters from fellow service members who witnessed events (e.g., “I saw the fall during the convoy”).
Family Statements: Describing changes since service (e.g., “He was active before; now pain limits him”). Spouse and parents are great resources.
Friend/work colleague Statement: Information provided on how someone outside of your household perceives you. (e.g., ” I see him every day at work struggling with pain. It breaks my heart to see what our military sacrificed for me and my family, and reminds me to thank them for their service ).
Guidelines: Keep them specific, chronological, and factual with the data—aim for 3-5 statements. Notarizing adds credibility.
Convert the documents to PDFs and upload them to va.gov.
The VA needs medical confirmation of diagnosis, severity, and service connection. You can file a claim without a DBQ Private Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) and nexus letters that address gaps, particularly for challenging connections, which can improve your chances of approval.
There are two paths you can take.
I suggest you locate a Qualified Provider: Seek private doctors experienced with VA claims (avoid VA staff to prevent conflicts). Google “certified compensation and pension examiner” and “I need a DBQ specialist in [list your city, state]”.
What They Provide: A DBQ details symptoms for each condition. A nexus letter states the condition is “at least as likely as not” related to service (e.g., “Hearing loss due to weapons training”).
Cost and Process: $500-2,000 out-of-pocket, typically takes 2-4 weeks. Usually, this is 50% at the time of the exam and 50% when all paperwork is ready for you to pick up and submit to the VA.
Caution on Paid Services: Contingency-based companies (paid only if you win, usually 5-6 months of awarded benefits) may handle simple claims well, but often underperform on complex ones like secondaries, spinal injuries, and fail to dig deeper to identify additional claims you could file. This is based on veteran experiences, including mine. This can result in lower ratings and the need to refile independently. Opt for free VSOs or accredited attorneys instead; avoid unaccredited firms after checking reviews on BBB or veteran forums. Most VSOs speak very negatively about these services. They are not very up to date on Drs/PAs that do DBQs and Nexus letters IMO, and group them into the paid services group, so take it with a grain of salt.
My Experience: I am in the Tampa area and found someone who opened a private business who is a Nationally Certified Compensation and Pension Examiner with 12 years as Compensation and Pension Lead and Trainer, and was the Assistant Director at Tampa VAMC Compensation and Pension Service. I had an initial call with him, and he walked me through his services offered (what he does and does not do) and his fee structure. It was a decision I had to consider due to the significant upfront investment with no guarantee of success. It was an investment, but it made the difference. I’ve referred many others, and they’ve reported positive outcomes. For complex cases, this expertise, in my opinion, is invaluable.
Tip: Develop a list of vetted providers and a checklist to identify unreliable services. Choose wisely. I plan to add a page with referred services like this in the future. If you have any successes, please share them with me so I can refer the good ones.
File everything together for faster processing. A Fully Developed Claim (FDC) with DBQs, Nexus Letters, and Lay statements expedites the process (when you have a competent Claim manager assigned). With strong DBQs and nexus letters from Steps 1-4, you qualify for FDC—leading to shorter timelines and higher approval rates.
Use VA Form 21-526EZ online at va.gov (preferred) or by mail.
Include: Evidence from Steps 3-4 and your ITF (intent to file) reference number.
Claim Types: New conditions, increases, or secondaries (e.g., knee issues causing back problems).
Select FDC status for priority handling.
Typical time: File within the ITF one-year window; processing 3-6 months (VA target is 125 days, it’s been faster in Trump’s 2nd term).
Submit via the online portal for easy tracking and fewer errors.
The VA may order a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to confirm diagnosis, severity, and connection. Even when you submit your DBQs, I found the case worker assigned to me requested a C&P exam. Upon being notified that I needed to undergo a C&P exam, I promptly scheduled a VERA appointment for a brief call with a representative from the claims organization. This appointment typically occurs within 1-7 days, making it a quick process. I informed them that I had filed a FDC (fully developed claim) with DBQ, and if everything is in order, they should use those records to avoid wasting the time and effort of a third-party rater. The representative I spoke to agreed and sent a message to my ASE worker, flagging that step as satisfied. I was of the mindset that the data I provided was sufficient for their decision, and I stood my ground.
Monitor for Scheduling: Check status on va.gov after filing. Strong evidence may eliminate the need.
If Scheduled for C&P Exam: You’ll receive notice by mail or email with details (date, time, location—VA facility or contractor like VES). Reschedule through phone or online if necessary.
Preparation: Bring copies of records, statements, and DBQs. Describe symptoms and impacts factually (e.g., “Standing more than 2 hours causes significant pain”). Avoid exaggeration, as examiners detect it.
Common Challenges: Exams can feel impersonal and rushed, with examiners focused on efficiency rather than empathy. In my early claims before private DBQs, I experienced short sessions that left me feeling dismissed. It’s often due to high caseloads. To address this:
Request a VA-conducted exam if possible (generally more understanding).
Document the session (notes on questions and responses) for your VSO.
If the experience feels inadequate, submit a follow-up statement— the VA considers all evidence.
My Approach: Even after submitting DBQs and nexus letters the VA scheduled me for an C&P Exam. Using VERA (Step 7), I inquired about the reason, and it was an administrative oversight. The representative updated the file, and the exam was canceled, allowing the claim to proceed.
Your Rights: The exam is for your benefit; report poor treatment to the VA Office of Inspector General or your VSO.
After the Exam: Access the report through your VSO or va.gov (typically 2-4 weeks). Correct errors with additional evidence.
Typical time: 1st month after claim submitted (often skipped for robust FDCs).
Resources: If you go to a C&P EXAM, prepare yourself. They will ask you questions that you can’t remember on the spot. I had notes with me and I took them in with me (e.g., “Describe flare-ups?, where does it hurt, what type of pain, etc.”)
Processing times average 100-150 days, but delays can occur—stay proactive to identify issues early, especially in complex claims. Its been faster in 2025 I have been told so god speed to everyone.
Tracking: Check va.gov or the VA app daily (create a free account for real-time updates). Use the hotline (1-800-827-1000) for general inquiries, though wait times vary.
VERA Consultations – Valuable Tool: The Veterans Experience Resource Advisor (VERA) program offers free, specialized virtual or phone appointments with trained representatives who focus on veteran needs. Schedule via va.my.site.com/VAVERA/s/—it’s more efficient than standard calls.
They can: Review your claim’s current status in detail (e.g., explain “Evidence Gathering” as active file review), translate VA terminology (such as reasons for deferrals or bottlenecks), suggest appropriate follow-up actions (e.g., “Submit this document to advance”), and highlight potential issues like incomplete notes for escalation to your case manager. VERA does not provide legal advice or influence decisions. Still, it serves as an accessible resource to clarify status and resolve minor holds, allowing veterans to accelerate progress without immediately involving a full VSO. Consider scheduling if there’s been no update in 60+ days; sessions are straightforward and can address many routine concerns directly.
Respond Promptly: If additional information is requested, upload it within 30 days to avoid pauses.
Assign Representation: Designate a VSO or attorney early using VA Form 21-22a—they can access your file and advocate if needed. I use the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. The FDVA branch office in my small town’s service is horrible, but they have an office inside the St. Petersburg, FL VA office that you can walk right into, and they are amazing.
Action Steps: If no progress in 30-45+ days, contact VERA or your VSO. Keep records of interactions (e.g., screenshots). I bugged VERA regularly, at least once a month, and I made an appointment for an update. My typical question is, ‘WTF is taking so long. They were always friendly and professional, and probably happy the scheduled 30-minute meeting ended in 5-10 minutes so they could get coffee or a break.
Typical time: Ongoing until decision (total processing 3-6 months, varying by claim complexity—simpler cases resolve faster, appeals extend timelines).
Common Questions: “Under Review” typically means standard evaluation.
VA data and veteran reports indicate 30-50% of initial claims are denied or underrated, with higher denial rates for complex conditions. You’ll receive a letter with your rating, effective date, and rationale. Multiple appeal options exist to continue the process.
If Approved: Direct deposits begin (set up via va.gov); consider appealing for a higher rating if the decision seems low. Back pay is usually effective from your ITF date.
If Denied or Low-Rated: Dig In and Fight Back. Carefully review the letter to understand the reason. In most cases (based on VA statistics and my observations), the VA recognizes the disability but fails to connect it to service—this is a nexus issue, meaning they couldn’t establish how military service caused or aggravated it. The positive side: This is often addressable, especially if a strong nexus letter was not included earlier (see Step 4). Appeal within one year to maintain your ITF effective date and potential back-pay. Primary options:
Higher-Level Review (HLR): A senior reviewer re-examines the existing evidence—no new evidence submissions are allowed. Ideal if the denial stems from a misinterpretation of what you provided (e.g., an overlooked statement). File on va.gov. A good buddy of mine used the same company for a DBQ, but not a nexus letter, and was denied at first. He contacted the company that provided the DBQ, and they advised him to submit for a Higher-Level review with an informal call. This took another 2+ months, but when he had the call, it was clear that the claim worker on his case had no reference to how the disability was connected to his job as a rescue swimmer and how the hoist from a helicopter would tear up someone’s back. Within a few minutes into the call, the reviewer said they would agree/concede on the claim. Later that evening, he checked va.gov and was surprised to find he was already listed at 100%.
Supplemental Claim: Submit new and relevant evidence to strengthen the claim. Include a nexus letter from a qualified doctor (Step 4) affirming “at least as likely as not” related to service, supported by published medical research or articles (e.g., studies on blast exposure and hearing loss—search PubMed or ask your VSO for help). Additional lay statements can reinforce this. File within one year of the denial to preserve ITF back-pay; otherwise, a new effective date applies. VSOs are particularly effective here—they analyze the denial and identify targeted additions to improve outcomes.
Board of Veterans’ Appeals: Request a hearing for a more formal review (can take 2+ years); use this if other options don’t succeed.
Recommended Action: Contact a VSO immediately after a denial. Use www.va.gov’s decision review tools for forms and guidance. Many denials are overturned with improved nexus evidence.
Typical time: Decision letter arrives 1-2 weeks after processing; appeals add 4-24 months (HLR is quickest; timelines vary by option).
Checklist: Retain a copy of the denial, identify nexus gaps, and engage VSO support right away.
Wrapping It Up: Resources and Final Thoughts
The entire process typically takes 3-12 months for initial claims, with appeals adding time (depending on complexity). Persistence leads to deserved benefits.
Common Pitfalls: Insufficient nexus evidence, missed deadlines, or going without VSO support. Avoid paid claim services if you can.
Essential Resources: va.gov (for portal, forms, and tracking).
Support: Find a VSO at va.gov/vso.
Communities: r/VeteransBenefits: (admin’s IMO are a-holes though), HadIt.com, etc..
Mental Health: Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (press 1).
This is your roadmap—begin with Step 1. You’ve earned these benefits; take steps to claim them. Questions or experiences to share? Use the site contact. Let’s move forward.
This is your roadmap—begin with Step 1. You’ve earned these benefits; take steps to claim them. Questions or experiences to share? Use the site contact. Let’s move forward.
