Document Your Flare-Ups in Real-Time for Maximum Rating Impact

Discuss on Reddit

Your worst days determine your rating, not your average ones. Start a flare-up journal today using your phone's notes app - timestamp each episode with severity (1-10), duration, work missed, and specific limitations like "couldn't dress myself" or "needed help walking to bathroom." VA raters need concrete examples of functional impact during your worst moments. Screenshot these entries monthly and upload to your claim. This real-time documentation beats trying to recall episodes months later at your C&P exam.

Disclaimer and Official Resources

VA Claim Helper is an independent, veteran-run resource. We’re not affiliated with the VA and don’t provide legal representation. This information is educational only.

For official claim assistance, please find an accredited representative (VSO, attorney, or claims agent) .

About VA Claim Helper

VA Claim Helper is led by a U.S. Navy submariner (ET2/SS, USS Pittsburgh 1995–2005) translating VA law into plain-English claim strategy so veterans can document service connection, prep for C&P exams, and win ratings without guesswork.

We publish daily VA disability tips, evidence checklists, and field manuals that walk you from Intent to File through appeals. Every guide is battle-tested with the veteran community and refreshed when VA policy shifts so the intel stays mission ready.

Service: U.S. Navy • 1995–2005 • USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720), ET2/SS

Related Tips

More Resources

  • Templates Hub — ready-to-copy letters, logs, and worksheets to support your claim.
  • Start Here — pick your path and follow the step-by-step game plan.
  • FAQ — clear answers to the most frequent VA claim questions.

VA Disability Claim Briefings by Email

Subscribe for veteran-tested VA disability tips, checklists, and field manual updates. We send actionable tactics when rules change so you can move faster than the VA.