Condition-specific guides with rating criteria, evidence requirements, C&P exam tips, and strategies to maximize your VA disability claim.
What Spicer and the May 2026 M21-1 update mean for secondary claims: but-for causation, treatment interference, and how to brief a nexus opinion.
DBQs document findings and severity. Nexus letters argue causation. When you need one, the other, or both—and how they fit the Caluza Triangle.
Track your claim on VA.gov, understand phases, schedule VERA the smart way, and what mid-2026 average wait headlines actually mean for your file.
Property tax exemption, vehicle tax relief, VMSDEP, parks passport, hunting/fishing—and how to verify each benefit with Virginia DVS and your locality.
Before/Event/Now formula, a full sample statement, common mistakes, and how lay evidence supports your claim without pretending to be a nexus letter.
VHA Directive 1134(3) says providers must assist with VA medical forms—including DBQs—when requested. What to do when primary care still says they can't or won't.
Too proud to ask? Scared of messing up? Thin STRs? You can still file. Why one denial isn't forever—and evidence beyond service treatment records.
Got a VA claim denied? Learn what the denial really means, the most common evidence gaps, and the exact next steps to strengthen your appeal or refile.
Veterans account for 33% of all mesothelioma diagnoses. Learn about the Two-Track compensation strategy—VA disability (100% rating, ~$3,939/month) plus $30 billion in private asbestos trust funds that don't affect your VA checks.
93% of C&P exams are now conducted by contractors—and OIG found 22% of those exams contain errors. Learn why exams fail, what red flags to watch for, and how to fight back with supplemental claims, HLRs, and Board appeals.
Presumptive conditions should mean automatic service connection—but veterans still get denied. Learn why Agent Orange, Gulf War, PACT Act, and Camp Lejeune claims fail and how to fix them.
Learn the paths to 100% VA disability: scheduler, TDIU, and 100% P&T. Understand VA math, strategic claims, and what it takes to reach total disability.
Learn how VA rates sleep apnea from 0% to 100%, what evidence wins claims, CPAP requirements, and how to file secondary conditions.
Understand VA's PTSD rating criteria, what symptoms qualify for each level, C&P exam tips, and how to document your mental health claim.
Anxiety and depression are rated under the same criteria as PTSD. Learn the rating levels, how to document symptoms, and secondary connections.
Filing for 'lower back pain' could cost you thousands. Learn why each body part has multiple rateable conditions and how to identify all your disabilities.
The Ingram v. Collins ruling requires VA to disregard medication effects when rating musculoskeletal disabilities. Learn what this means and how to maximize your claim.
PTSD often causes or aggravates other conditions. Learn which secondary conditions to claim, how to prove the connection, and maximize your rating.
VA doesn't add ratings—it uses 'VA Math.' Learn how combined ratings work, the bilateral factor, rounding rules, and how to calculate your total rating.
A strong nexus letter can make or break your claim. Learn what elements VA requires, who can write one, and how to get a compelling medical opinion.
Major changes to VA tinnitus ratings are proposed. Learn about the elimination of standalone ratings, who's grandfathered, and how to protect your claim now.
VA rates back conditions on range of motion. Learn the rating criteria, how to document flare-ups, and secondary conditions you may be missing.
Migraine ratings depend on frequency and economic impact. Learn what VA looks for, how to track your headaches, and C&P exam strategies.
Digestive conditions are common Gulf War presumptives. Learn how to file GERD and IBS claims, rating criteria, and secondary service connection.
VA disability ratings determine your monthly compensation based on how much your service-connected conditions affect your ability to work and live. Ratings range from 0% to 100% in 10% increments.
Each condition has specific diagnostic criteria outlined in 38 CFR Part 4, the VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities. Understanding these criteria—and knowing what evidence VA raters look for—is key to getting the rating you deserve.
Our guides break down the rating criteria for the most common conditions, explain what evidence wins claims, and provide strategies for your C&P exam. Start with our 10-Step Guide for the complete claims process, then dive into condition-specific guides above.
Use our AI Assistant for personalized guidance, or try the VA Calculator to estimate your combined rating.