Preparation: The 3 Pillars (Caluza Triangle)
Now that your backpay is protected, learn what the VA is actually looking for. This is where most veterans fail.
Last updated: April 21, 2026
Preparation: The 3 Pillars (Caluza Triangle)
Now that your backpay is protected, learn what the VA is actually looking for. This is where most veterans fail.
VA Disability Eligibility Requirements
Determining your VA disability eligibility is the first critical step to a successful claim. To be approved for tax-free compensation, you must understand the framework the Department of Veterans Affairs uses to evaluate every file.
A VA Rater's decision ultimately comes down to three specific requirements. If you are missing any one of these "pillars," your claim will likely be denied.
Pillar 1: A Current Diagnosis
You must have a current, chronic disability diagnosed by a medical professional.
Pillar 2: An In-Service Event
You need evidence of an event, injury, or illness that occurred while you were serving on active duty.
Pillar 3: A Medical Nexus
A medical professional must provide an opinion (Nexus Letter) that links your current diagnosis to that in-service event.
Types of Service Connection
1. Direct Service Connection
An injury or disease clearly documented in your service treatment records (STRs).
Example: You injured your knee during a ruck march, it's in your STRs, and now you have arthritis. That's direct service connection.
2. Aggravation
A pre-existing condition that was made worse by your military service.
Example: You had mild asthma before enlisting. Military service (burn pits, chemical exposure) made it significantly worse. You can claim aggravation.
3. Presumptive Service Connection
Conditions the VA automatically assumes were caused by service (e.g., PACT Act, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune).
Example: You served in Iraq or Afghanistan and developed respiratory issues. Under the PACT Act, the VA presumes your condition is service-connected.
4. Secondary Service Connection
A new disability caused by a condition you are already rated for.
Example: You're service-connected for a bad knee at 10%. Over the years, favoring that knee caused lower back problems. You can file a secondary claim for your back.
⚠️ Why Claims Get Denied
Most veterans file without understanding these three pillars. They assume the VA will "figure it out" or "give them the benefit of the doubt." The VA won't. If you're missing even ONE of these pillars, your claim gets denied and you start over from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get VA disability if I work full-time?
Yes. You can work a full-time job and still maintain VA disability eligibility, even at the 100% rating level. The only exception is if you are rated 100% specifically for "Individual Unemployability" (TDIU).
Does my discharge status matter for eligibility?
Yes. To be eligible for VA disability compensation, you generally must have a discharge status other than "Dishonorable."
What if my injury wasn't diagnosed until years later?
You can still file a claim. However, the burden of proof is on you to provide the "Medical Nexus" linking your current diagnosis to your time in service. This is why Step 05 (The Medical Arsenal) is so critical.
💡 Pro Tip: Secondary Claims Are Powerful
Many veterans stop after their initial rating. But secondary claims let you connect the dots between your existing service-connected conditions and new issues that developed as a result. This is how you climb from 10% to 60%, 70%, or higher.
Army Veteran. I went through the process myself from 10% to 100% P&T and built this site to share the roadmap with others.
Learn more about the project