Win Aggravation Claims: Lock Down Your Pre‑Service Baseline Today

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Aggravation claim? Prove your pre-service baseline—today. Call the clinic, hospital, or ortho that treated you BEFORE enlistment and request copies of notes, imaging, and prescriptions showing your condition’s baseline (include any MEPS records). Ask for same-day patient portal downloads or emailed PDFs. Upload them to your active claim on VA.gov with a short note: “Pre-service baseline evidence—aggravation,” and list 1–2 in-service events/dates showing worsening. Unsure how to upload? Check VA.gov for instructions.

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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) .

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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

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