Veterans with injuries or illnesses that occurred or were aggravated during military service can file a VA disability compensation claim. The VA assigns a disability rating (0-100% in 10% increments) that determines monthly tax-free compensation.
9 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Identify your service-connected conditions — List every injury, illness, or condition that began during, was caused by, or was worsened by military service; include both physical and mental health ...
- Gather your evidence — Service treatment records, post-service medical records, VA medical records, buddy statements (lay evidence from fellow service members), personal statements describing how t...
- Establish the three elements of service connection — You need: (a) a current diagnosed condition, (b) an in-service event, injury, or illness, and (c) a medical nexus linking the current condition ...
- Choose your filing path — Fully Developed Claim (FDC): submit all evidence upfront for faster processing; Standard Claim: request VA assistance in gathering evidence (takes longer)
- File your claim — Submit VA Form 21-526EZ online at va.gov, by mail to your regional VA office, in person, or through a VSO; save your application to preserve your effective date (you have 365 days...
- Attend a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam — VA will schedule an exam with a VA or contract physician to evaluate your conditions; this is critical to your rating
- Wait for a decision — Average processing time varies; FDC claims are typically faster (125-150 days) than standard claims
- Review your decision letter — Contains your disability rating, monthly payment amount, effective date, and rationale; if you disagree, you have appeal options
- File for secondary conditions if applicable — Conditions caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability (e.g., back pain causing hip problems) can be claimed separately
Common Mistakes
- Not filing for all conditions
- Skipping the C&P exam
- Not preparing for the C&P exam
- Filing without a nexus letter
- Not using a VSO
Pro Tips
- File an Intent to File first
- Use buddy statements strategically
- Understand combined ratings math
- PACT Act expanded eligibility
- Request your C-file