Submitting the Claim: FDC vs Standard
You've gathered your evidence. Now it's time to submit. Choose your path wisely.
Last updated: April 21, 2026
Submitting the Claim: FDC vs Standard
You've gathered your evidence. Now it's time to submit. Choose your path wisely.
The Two Paths: FDC vs. Standard Claim
When you submit your VA disability claim, you have two options: Fully Developed Claim (FDC) or Standard Claim.
The path you choose determines how fast your claim gets processed and how much control you have over the evidence.
Fully Developed Claim (FDC)
You submit all your evidence upfront. You tell the VA: "Here's everything you need. Rate it."
What you're submitting:
- • Service records (DD-214, STRs, personnel files)
- • Medical records (VA and private)
- • Lay statements and buddy letters
- • Nexus letters
- • Private DBQs (if you have them)
Advantages:
- ✓ Faster processing: FDC claims are prioritized and typically decided faster
- ✓ You control the evidence: The VA rates based on what you provide
- ✓ Cleaner submission: Everything is organized and ready for the rater
Disadvantages:
- ✗ You do the work: You have to gather all the evidence yourself
- ✗ One shot: If you submit an FDC and it's denied, you can't add new evidence without filing a supplemental claim
Standard Claim
You submit your claim and let the VA gather some or all of the evidence for you.
Advantages:
- ✓ Less work upfront: The VA gathers records for you
- ✓ More flexible: You can add evidence as the claim develops
Disadvantages:
- ✗ Slower processing: Can take months longer
- ✗ Less control: The VA decides what evidence to request and when
- ✗ Delays: If the VA can't get your records, your claim stalls
Step-by-Step: Filing on VA.gov
2. Start Your Claim (Form 21-526EZ)
Click "File for disability compensation" and answer the series of questions about your conditions.
3. Upload Your Evidence
Submit service records, medical records, lay statements, nexus letters, and private DBQs. File formats: PDF, JPG, PNG. Size limit: 50MB per file.
4. Check the FDC Box (If Filing FDC)
Check the box that says: "I certify that I have no additional evidence to submit." This tells the VA to rate it now.
5. Review and Submit
Review your claim, then click Submit. You'll receive a confirmation number—save it.
How to Organize Your Evidence Package
- •Create a cover letter listing each piece of evidence
- •Label files clearly with descriptive filenames (e.g., 01-DD214.pdf, 06-Nexus-Letter-Dr-Jones-Knee.pdf)
- •Highlight key evidence in large documents—make it easy for the rater to find the smoking gun
Pro Tip
💡 My Recommendation: File an FDC. If you've followed this guide through Steps 01–05, you already have everything you need. You've done the work. Don't hand control back to the VA now.
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