VA Disability Claims Guide & Resources

Launch Your VA Disability Claim Mission Brief

Use the Start Here pathfinder to create a VA disability claim mission brief. Lock in your effective date, follow VA Form 21-526EZ instructions, and double-check combined ratings before you file.

Pick the right VA disability guide: run the Start Here pathfinder to match the best playbook, evidence, and next actions to your mission.
Stage VA claim evidence: work the Claim Prep Checklist so medical records, nexus letters, and lay statements are organized before the VA asks.
Forecast VA compensation: run the VA disability calculator to confirm combined ratings, bilateral factors, and dependent pay.

VA Processing Time Tracker

Latest Disability Claim Decision Speed

94.8 days

Rolling 30-day average pulled from VBA Monday Morning Workload reports.

Updated October 28, 2025 — VA disability processing time tracker

Already Filed?

Next Moves for Ongoing Claims

Supplemental Claim Field Manual — add new and relevant evidence if the VA missed key proof.
Rating Increase Field Manual — document worsening symptoms and lock in higher percentages.
Tinnitus Field Manual — noise exposure playbook for the VA’s most common award.
Sleep Apnea Field Manual — CPAP, nexus, and Diagnostic Code 6847 strategy.

Who is this guy?

About the Submarine Veteran Behind VA Claim Helper

Meet the crew chief: I’m a submarine veteran (ET2/SS, USS Pittsburgh 1995–2005) who turned years of trial-and-error filings into plain-English, veteran-tested guides.

No-fluff breakdowns that make C&P exams, nexus evidence, and VA math easier to execute.
Daily intel from r/VAClaimHelp, plus templates, calculators, and checklists built for real claim packets.
Pathfinders and roadmaps that keep your effective date, document every condition, and speak the VA’s language.

New here? Start with the Start Here pathfinder to generate your mission brief, build evidence with the Claim Prep Checklist, and grab nexus letter and lay statement templates. When it’s time to run the numbers, the VA disability calculator mirrors real VA math—no jargon, just the steps I wish I had on day one.

Tip of the Day

PTSD Stressor Shortcut: Upload Your Combat Award or Citation Today

Got a combat award? That can shortcut your PTSD stressor—upload it now. Grab your DD‑214, award orders, or citation showing a Purple Heart, CIB/CAB/CAR, or a V‑device. Take a clear scan/photo, name it “Combat Award – PTSD Evidence,” and upload it under your claim on VA.gov. Add a short note: “Combat award verifying stressor exposure.” This helps VA concede the stressor so your C&P focuses on symptoms and rating, not proving the event. Unsure what qualifies? Check VA.gov for accepted combat indicators.

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Daily Briefings

Daily VA disability claim briefings with evidence reminders, VA Form 21-526EZ checklists, and C&P exam prep emails. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Question of the Day

See What Other Veterans Are Asking

Q:How does the GI Bill work for a 100% unemployable veteran - does it cover everything or are there out-of-pocket costs, and is there extra money for expenses like gas?

A: The GI Bill covers full tuition at public schools (or up to $28,937/year at private schools) with zero out-of-pocket costs, PLUS veterans get Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) cash payments ranging from $1,000-4,000+ depen...Read full answer

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Your Guide to Winning VA Disability Claims & Getting the Benefits You Deserve

Keep working your Start Here and PACT Act pathfinders, update evidence checklists as symptoms shift, and circle back to the hubs above whenever policy, forms, or pay tables change.