Start Your VA Disability Claim

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.

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.

Evidence refresh alerts when CFR updates or forms change.
Templates, rebuttal scripts, and checklists aligned to this pathfinder.
Sent by a fellow vet—no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

The three essentials every claim needs

Prepare these 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.

Download nexus templates

Grab nexus letter blueprints and lay statement templates to connect your diagnosis to service.

4-step VA disability claim roadmap

Lock in your effective date, match the right lane, and stay exam-ready.

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.

Claim Prep Checklist

Download the PDF timeline to plan appointments, evidence tasks, and uploads.

VA Intent to File (VA.gov)

Open the official VA.gov form to lock your effective date.

Templates Hub

Access logs, lay statements, and nexus blueprints to support your claim.
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.

File a New Claim

Step-by-step from intent to submission.

Increase an Existing Rating

Evidence refresh, exams, and timelines.

Secondary & Aggravated Conditions

Link new diagnoses to service-connected issues.

Decision Reviews & Appeals

Start here if you're challenging a denial or low rating.
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.

Sleep apnea field manual

CPAP logs, nexus strategies, and C&P prep.

Tinnitus & hearing loss

Noise exposure mapping and audiogram checklists.

PTSD claim playbook

Stressor statements, therapy coordination, and DBQs.

Back pain claim

ROM data, flare logs, and secondary nerve ratings.

Knee claim playbook

Instability proof, ROM tracking, and surgical evidence.

Secondary condition chains

Link new diagnoses to service-connected issues.
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.

C&P Exam Playbook

Get scripts, checklists, and post-exam strategies.

VA Disability Calculator

Model combined ratings and dependent pay.

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.

Step-by-step new claim guide

Covers forms, evidence, and what to expect after you submit.

Claim Prep Checklist

Print the checklist and pin it next to your desk.

C&P Exam Playbook

What to bring, say, and note down after every exam.

If you're fighting for a higher rating

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

Increase rating guide

Evidence refresh checklist + timelines.

Secondary condition playbook

Link new diagnoses to your service-connected conditions.

Disability calculator

Model your combined rating and dependent pay.

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.

Decision review options

Compare HLR, Supplemental, and Board routes.

Supplemental claim guide

Gather new and relevant evidence fast.

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.

C&P exam prep sprint

Day-before checklist and post-exam script.

Upload evidence guide

Grab the log sheets to track what you submit and when.

Find VA contact options

Call, chat, or message the VA for appointment changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a VA disability claim online or do I need to visit an office?

You can file entirely online at VA.gov—most veterans never step foot in a regional office. Online filing is typically faster and gives you instant confirmation that VA received your claim.

If you prefer in-person help, you can work with a VSO (Veterans Service Organization) at your local VA office. Either way, our pathfinder helps you figure out which approach fits your situation.

What happens after I submit my VA disability claim?

After you submit, the VA sends a confirmation and your claim enters the pipeline: evidence gathering, review by a rater, and (often) a C&P exam. You can track your status at VA.gov.

If VA needs more information, they'll send a letter or call you—don't ignore these requests. Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your potential rating while you wait.

How long does the VA disability claims process take?

Straightforward claims typically take 107-125 days (roughly 4 months). Claims with multiple conditions, appeals, or complex C&P exams often stretch to 5-6 months or longer.

Filing an Intent to File (ITF) locks in your effective date while you gather evidence—this protects your back pay if your claim takes time. Use our VA disability calculator to estimate your potential monthly payment.

What is the difference between a direct and secondary VA claim?

Direct claim: Links your condition straight to an event, injury, or exposure during service (e.g., you hurt your back during deployment).

Secondary claim: Links a new condition to one that's already service-connected (e.g., your service-connected back injury caused hip problems over time).

Both require strong evidence. Our claim playbooks cover strategies and checklists for each approach, and the Secondary Conditions Finder shows common pairings.

What are current VA disability claim processing times?

Currently, the VA averages 81-125 days for initial disability claims—roughly 3-4 months. Complex claims with multiple conditions, required C&P exams, or evidence development can take 5-6 months or longer.

Filing an Intent to File (ITF) protects your effective date while you gather evidence, so don't wait until everything is perfect. Check claim status anytime at VA.gov.

What evidence do I need before filing a VA disability claim?

At minimum, you need three things: (1) evidence of an in-service event, injury, or exposure; (2) a current medical diagnosis; and (3) a nexus—a link connecting the two. A doctor's opinion stating your current condition is "at least as likely as not" related to service is the gold standard.

Our evidence checklist templates help you organize your packet before filing. For a deeper dive, VA Claims Explained covers what raters look for and how to build a solid case.

Do I need a lawyer or VSO to file a VA disability claim?

No—thousands of veterans successfully file claims on their own. That said, a good VSO (Veterans Service Organization) can be helpful, especially if you're overwhelmed or have a complex case. They're free and accredited by the VA.

Whether you go solo or use a VSO, the key is understanding the process and building strong evidence. Start Here helps you figure out the best approach for your situation.

Start Your VA Disability Claim

Choose your mission profile *

Where are you in the claim cycle? *

Which deadline is hitting next? *

Any evidence gaps to close?

Which condition playbooks do you need?

Your VA Claim Action Plan

Your Action Plan

Start Your VA Disability Claim

🎯 Choose your mission profile *

📍 Where are you in the claim cycle? *

⏰ Which deadline is hitting next? *

📋 Any evidence gaps to close?

📚 Which condition playbooks do you need?

Your VA Claim Action Plan

Choose your mission profile *

Where are you in the claim cycle? *

Which deadline is hitting next? *

Any evidence gaps to close?

Which condition playbooks do you need?