How to File a VA Claim
The VA disability claims process starts with gathering your service records, medical evidence, and filing VA Form 21-526EZ. You can file online through VA.gov, by mail, or with the help of a Veterans Service Organization (VSO). Understanding the process before you begin significantly improves your chances of a favorable outcome.
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Service Connection Requirements
To receive VA disability compensation, you must prove three things: a current diagnosed condition, an in-service event or injury, and a medical nexus linking the two. Direct service connection, secondary service connection, and presumptive service connection each have different evidence requirements.
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Nexus Letters
A nexus letter is a medical opinion from a doctor stating that your current condition is "at least as likely as not" connected to your military service. A strong nexus letter from a qualified physician can be the deciding factor in your claim — especially for conditions that developed years after service.
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C&P Exam Tips
The Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is where a VA-contracted examiner evaluates the severity of your condition. Being honest, thorough, and describing your worst days — not your best — is critical. Review your medical records beforehand and bring any supporting documentation.
Claim Timeline
VA claims typically take 3 to 6 months from filing to decision, though complex cases can take longer. The process moves through intake, evidence gathering, review, and decision phases. Filing a Fully Developed Claim (FDC) with all evidence upfront can significantly reduce wait times.
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Buddy Statements
Buddy statements are written declarations from fellow service members, family, or friends who can attest to your condition or the in-service event that caused it. These lay statements carry real weight with VA raters and can fill gaps when official service records are incomplete.
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Claim Checklist
Before filing, make sure you have your DD-214, service treatment records, private medical records, a nexus letter (if applicable), buddy statements, and VA Form 21-526EZ. Missing even one piece of evidence can delay your claim or lead to a lower rating.
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Secondary Conditions
A secondary condition is a new disability caused or worsened by a condition you're already service-connected for. For example, a service-connected knee injury that leads to back pain, or PTSD that causes sleep apnea. Secondary claims require a nexus letter linking the conditions.
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Rating Increase
If your service-connected condition has gotten worse since your last rating, you can file a claim for increase. You'll need current medical evidence showing the worsening and will likely be scheduled for a new C&P exam. There's no time limit on filing for an increase.
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Claim for Increase
A claim for increase is the formal process of requesting a higher rating when your disability has worsened. You'll file VA Form 21-526EZ, submit current medical evidence, and attend a new C&P exam. If approved, your increased rating — and higher compensation — can be backdated up to one year before filing.
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Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD)
If you're still on active duty, the BDD program lets you file your VA claim 180 to 90 days before separation. This means your claim can be decided shortly after discharge, getting you benefits faster than filing after you've already separated.
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What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied
A denied VA claim isn't the end. You have three options: file a Supplemental Claim with new evidence, request a Higher-Level Review (HLR) by a senior rater, or appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Each path has different timelines and strategies — choosing the right one depends on why your claim was denied.