VA Disability Playbooks Hub

Veteran-written VA disability playbooks for every claim lane and condition: evidence checklists, scripts, timelines, and tools to keep the VA on schedule.

  • Claim lanes: new claim, supplemental, and Higher-Level Review briefs with evidence checklists, timelines, and call scripts.
  • Condition playbooks: back pain, sleep apnea, hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, and more—evidence stacks, C&P scripts, and secondary chains.
  • Every brief is veteran-written and pairs with templates, calculators, and downloads so uploads and deadlines stay squared away.

Core Claim Playbooks

How to File a VA Supplemental Claim
Step-by-step guide to the VA supplemental claim process: keep your effective date, submit VA Form 20-0995 with new and relevant evidence, and track deadlines.
How to Increase Your VA Disability Rating
Use the increase rating playbook to document worsening symptoms, match 38 CFR criteria, file VA Form 21-526EZ or 20-0995 when needed, and protect your effective date.
How to Prepare for a VA C&P Exam
Ace your VA compensation and pension exam: organize evidence, rehearse symptom narratives, know what examiners can ask, and control the record before and after the appointment.
How to Request a VA Higher-Level Review
Turn a VA denial into a Higher-Level Review win: dissect your decision letter, prep VA Form 20-0996, script the informal conference, and keep your effective date on target.

Latest Playbook Updates

Back Pain VA Claim Field Manual
Secure the rating you earned for lumbosacral or cervical strain with goniometer-ready ROM logs, IVDS evidence, and the General Rating Formula from 38 C.F.R. §4.71a.
Hearing Loss VA Claim Field Manual
Close the gap between military noise exposure and VA ratings with Maryland CNC-compliant audiograms, threshold logs, and Diagnostic Code 6100 strategies.
How to Build a VA Secondary Condition Claim
Map your secondary VA claim: prove causation or aggravation, secure nexus opinions, gather treatment records, and file with airtight evidence to win service connection.
How to File a New VA Disability Claim
Learn how to file a new VA disability claim with our step-by-step guide: intent to file deadlines, VA Form 21-526EZ instructions, evidence checklist, and C&P exam prep.

Claim Playbooks

How to File a New VA Disability Claim
Learn how to file a new VA disability claim with our step-by-step guide: intent to file deadlines, VA Form 21-526EZ instructions, evidence checklist, and C&P exam prep.
How to File a VA Supplemental Claim
Step-by-step guide to the VA supplemental claim process: keep your effective date, submit VA Form 20-0995 with new and relevant evidence, and track deadlines.
How to Request a VA Higher-Level Review
Turn a VA denial into a Higher-Level Review win: dissect your decision letter, prep VA Form 20-0996, script the informal conference, and keep your effective date on target.
How to Increase Your VA Disability Rating
Use the increase rating playbook to document worsening symptoms, match 38 CFR criteria, file VA Form 21-526EZ or 20-0995 when needed, and protect your effective date.
How to Build a VA Secondary Condition Claim
Map your secondary VA claim: prove causation or aggravation, secure nexus opinions, gather treatment records, and file with airtight evidence to win service connection.
How to Prepare for a VA C&P Exam
Ace your VA compensation and pension exam: organize evidence, rehearse symptom narratives, know what examiners can ask, and control the record before and after the appointment.
TDIU VA Claim Guide: Get 100% Pay Without a 100% Rating
Qualify for 100% VA compensation without a 100% rating. File VA Form 21-8940, prove unemployability under 38 CFR 4.16, and protect your TDIU award. Start today.

Condition Playbooks

Back Pain VA Claim Field Manual
Secure the rating you earned for lumbosacral or cervical strain with goniometer-ready ROM logs, IVDS evidence, and the General Rating Formula from 38 C.F.R. §4.71a.
Hearing Loss VA Claim Field Manual
Close the gap between military noise exposure and VA ratings with Maryland CNC-compliant audiograms, threshold logs, and Diagnostic Code 6100 strategies.
Knee VA Claim Field Manual
Build a bulletproof knee disability claim with goniometer-ready flexion logs, instability evidence, and Diagnostic Codes 5257, 5260, and 5261 from 38 C.F.R. §4.71a.
Sleep Apnea VA Claim Field Manual
Secure the VA sleep apnea rating you earned with in-service evidence, compliant CPAP records, and 38 C.F.R. §4.97 Diagnostic Code 6847 tactics.
Tinnitus VA Claim Field Manual
Lock in service connection for tinnitus with MOS noise evidence, lay statements, audiology nexus opinions, and 38 C.F.R. §4.87 Diagnostic Code 6260 guidance.
PTSD VA Claim Field Manual
Use the updated VA Form 21-0781, document stressors, and map DSM-5 symptoms to CFR §4.130 for a stronger PTSD claim.
VA Migraine Claim Guide: Get the 50% Rating (DC 8100)
Document prostrating migraine attacks, prove service connection or secondary link, and target the maximum 50% rating under Diagnostic Code 8100. Includes C&P exam tips.

Mission Downloads

Claim Prep Checklist
Printable workflow to stage evidence, statements, and deadlines.
VA Disability Calculator
Model combined ratings, bilateral factors, and potential SMC boosts.
Template Library
Lay statement prompts, symptom logs, and nexus outlines ready to go.

Related Hubs

Start Here Pathfinder
Pick the lane, evidence kit, and next steps.
Tools Hub
Calculators, pay charts, and planners.

Playbooks FAQ

How do I choose the right VA claim playbook?

First, identify what type of claim you're filing: new claim, increase, secondary condition, supplemental claim, or appeal. Then pick the playbook that matches. Each one walks you through evidence requirements, C&P exam prep, and common pitfalls for that claim type.

Browse all options on the Playbooks page, or use the Start Here pathfinder to get a personalized recommendation.

Do I need to read every playbook?

No—start with the playbook that matches your immediate situation. If you're filing a new claim, focus there first. Once your primary claim is in motion, you can layer in supporting playbooks for secondary conditions, C&P exam prep, or appeals if needed.

Each playbook stands alone, but they're designed to work together as you progress through the claims process.

How often are the playbooks updated?

Playbooks update whenever VA regulations, forms, or procedures change. We monitor CFR 38, VA form revisions, and rater trends to keep the guidance current.

Subscribe for email updates and we'll notify you when major changes drop so you always have the latest intel.