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?

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+ depending on the school's location - this money is specifically meant to cover gas, transportation, and living expenses. Veterans also get up to $1,000/year for books paid at semester start, and those with 100% P&T ratings keep their full disability compensation on top of all GI Bill benefits. The key things: at least one in-person class is needed for full MHA (online-only pays $988/month), veterans must maintain more than half-time enrollment, and they should start by getting their Certificate of Eligibility at va.gov/education/how-to-apply then work with their school's Veterans office who will handle the rest.

Is there claims assistance through the American Legion?

Yes, the American Legion provides comprehensive claims assistance through their Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) at no cost to veterans. These trained professionals help with filing initial disability claims, appeals, and other VA benefits applications. They're accredited by the VA and can represent you throughout the entire claims process, from gathering evidence to attending hearings. You can find assistance at local American Legion posts nationwide or contact their National Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Division. Visit www.legion.org and use their post locator, or call 1-800-433-3318. Many posts offer walk-in hours, but calling ahead is recommended. The Legion also provides online resources and claim forms on their website. Don't wait - their services are free, and having experienced representation significantly improves your chances of a successful claim.

My VA claim status went from step 5 to 3 to 5 to 4. Is that normal?

Yes. The VA claim tracker steps aren’t strictly one-way — they can move forward, backward, and forward again as different actions happen on your claim. This is normal and doesn’t mean you’re losing progress. The only step that really matters is the final one: when a decision is made.

Where in the CFR can I find the VA regulations for travel expenses when sent to another city for surgery and follow-up appointments?

VA travel benefits are covered under 38 CFR § 70. Mileage, lodging, and meals are reimbursed if pre-authorized, but amounts are capped (lodging per night, meals at federal per diem rates). See 38 CFR 70.30–70.32 for reimbursement rules. Save all receipts and work with your VA travel office to file your claim.

Start Your VA Disability Claim: Step-by-Step Guide

Your Veteran-to-Veteran VA Claim Guide

Follow this step-by-step roadmap from a fellow veteran. We'll help you lock in your effective date, gather the right evidence, and stay ready for every VA letter or exam.

New to VA claims? Start here to cover the three requirements every winning claim needs before you file.
Appealing or adding conditions? Use the roadmap below to choose the right claim lane, refresh evidence, and protect your back pay.
Up against a deadline? Jump straight to the quick links inside each step for checklists, templates, and tools.

Mission focus: document every move, save copies of what you send, and ask for help before a deadline hits.

Step 1 of 5

Choose your mission profile

VA Claim Mission Brief

1 The three essentials every claim needs

Every successful claim addresses these three requirements before filing. Prepare them now to prevent delays or denials.

Current diagnosis for each condition

Make sure a licensed provider has diagnosed every issue you plan to claim. If documentation is missing, schedule the appointment now and request the visit notes.

Get the Claim Prep Checklist Download the step-by-step timeline to track appointments, evidence tasks, and filing deadlines.

Proof it happened during service

Gather service records, incident reports, deployment logs, or buddy statements that show when the injury, illness, or exposure occurred while you were in uniform.

Download service log templates Grab lay statement templates and incident logs to document what happened during service.

Evidence tying today to service

Secure a nexus letter, DBQ, or detailed buddy statements that explain how your current diagnosis connects to service. This is what convinces the VA rater.

See evidence examples Review proven nexus letters, DBQs, and lay evidence that helped fellow veterans win claims.

2 4-step VA disability claim roadmap

Step 1
Lock in your effective date and gather proof

File your Intent to File, organize medical records, and start an evidence log so you protect every month of back pay.

Confirm diagnoses, submit the Intent to File on VA.gov, and capture symptoms as they happen. If a deadline is near, this step comes first.
Step 2
Choose the right VA claim lane

Match your situation to the correct claim or review type so you know the form, deadline, and evidence standard.

Whether you're filing for the first time, increasing a rating, or appealing a bad decision, start with the guide written for that exact lane.
Step 3
Prep condition-specific evidence

Use veteran-written playbooks to prep C&P exams, gather DBQs, and cover every rating factor for your conditions.

Prioritize the conditions that move your combined rating. Each playbook includes evidence checklists, symptom trackers, and C&P strategies.
- Browse all condition playbooks Find the VA disability guide for your exact condition.
Step 4
Submit, track status, and prep for exams

Save copies of every upload, monitor VA.gov, and prep for calls, letters, and C&P exams so nothing catches you off guard.

Monitor VA.gov for status changes, prep for C&P exams like a mission brief, and log every phone call or upload in case you need to appeal.

3 Find the guide that fits your situation

Choose the path that matches your mission right now. Each guide includes the evidence, timelines, and scripts you need to move fast.

If you're filing your first claim

Follow the full run from Intent to File through decision so you don't miss a deadline or exam notice.

If you were denied or rated too low

Pick the review lane that fits, rebuild the evidence stack, and move before the clock runs out.

If you're fighting for a higher rating

Zero in on worsening symptoms, new diagnoses, and secondary conditions that prove the increase you deserve.

If you're facing a deadline or exam

Use these quick actions so the VA doesn't close your claim or mark you as a no-show.

Every Sunday I send a short briefing with deadlines, checklists, and rule changes — written by a submariner who fought the VA system and won. Unsubscribe anytime.

Start Your VA Disability Claim: Step-by-Step Guide

Your Veteran-to-Veteran VA Claim Guide

Choose your mission profile

VA Claim Mission Brief

Get Weekly VA Claim Intel