The 10-Step VA Disability Claim Roadmap
From Intent to File to protecting your rating. Everything you need to navigate the VA system and get the benefits you earned. Built by a veteran who went from 10% to 100% P&T.
Phase 1: Strategy & Clock
Intent to File: Lock Your Backpay Date
This takes 5 minutes and could be worth tens of thousands of dollars. Do this before anything else.
Why This Step Comes First
If you take away one thing from this entire guide, let it be this:
Submit your Intent to File right now. Today. Before you do anything else.
You don't need medical records yet. You don't need a diagnosis. You don't need a Nexus Letter. You just need to hit a button on VA.gov and tell them, "I'm planning to file a claim."
That single action locks in your backpay date and gives you 12 months to gather your evidence.
Every day you wait is money you're leaving on the table.
What is a VA Intent to File?
The VA Intent to File (ITF) is essentially a placeholder. It tells the Department of Veterans Affairs: "I am planning to file a disability claim, but I need time to gather my medical evidence."
Submitting this notification is the single most financially important step in the entire process because it establishes your Effective Date.
Your Effective Date determines when your payments begin. If your claim is approved, the VA will pay you backpay (retroactive compensation) dating back to your Effective Date.
💰 Real Dollar Impact
January 1st: You submit your VA Intent to File.
June 1st: You finally submit your completed claim with all medical records.
December 1st: The VA approves your claim at a 50% rating ($1,132.90/month in 2026).
Result: Because you submitted the Intent to File in January, the VA will send you a lump sum check for all the months between January and December—roughly $13,594 in backpay.
If you hadn't submitted the Intent to File, your pay would only start from June. You'd lose ~$6,797.
⏰ The "One Year" Rule
Once you submit your VA Intent to File, the clock starts ticking. You have exactly one year from that date to gather your evidence and submit your completed claim. If you miss this deadline, you lose your backpay date. The effective date resets to whenever you actually submit the claim.
How to Submit a VA Intent to File
Option 1: Online (Recommended)
- Log in to VA.gov
- Start the disability compensation application process
- When you reach the screen that says you have "initiated" a claim and saved it, the Intent to File is automatically registered in their system
That's it. You're done. Your backpay clock is now protected.
Option 2: By Phone
- Call the VA directly at 1-800-827-1000
- Tell the representative clearly: "I want to submit an Intent to File for compensation benefits."
Important: Write down the date and the name of the representative you spoke with. Keep this as proof.
Option 3: By Mail (VA Form 21-0966)
- Download and complete VA Form 21-0966
- Mail it to the Evidence Intake Center
This is the slowest method. The online option takes 5 minutes. Use that instead.
Download FormThe VSO Strategy: Don't Settle
Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) are trained professionals who assist you completely free of charge. They are accredited by the VA to help you navigate eligibility requirements, gather evidence, and submit your application.
My Advice: Shop Around. The quality of VSO service varies significantly. Don't settle for the first VSO you contact. If one office isn't responsive or doesn't seem knowledgeable, try another.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a VA Intent to File expire?
Yes. An Intent to File expires exactly one year after the day the VA receives it. You must submit your formal claim (VA Form 21-526EZ) before that year is up to keep your effective date.
Can I have multiple Intent to Files active?
Generally, no. You have one active Intent to File at a time for compensation. Once you submit a claim, that specific Intent to File is "used up," and you would need to file a new one for any future, separate claims.
Can I submit an Intent to File for multiple conditions at once?
Yes. A single Intent to File covers all conditions you plan to claim. You don't need separate ITFs for each condition.
Pro Tips
- •Take a screenshot of the confirmation page. Save it. Email it to yourself. Print it if you have to.
- •The VA's systems are not perfect, and having proof of your submission date can save you thousands if there's ever a dispute.
Preparation: The 3 Pillars (Caluza Triangle)
Now that your backpay is protected, learn what the VA is actually looking for. This is where most veterans fail.
VA Disability Eligibility Requirements
Determining your VA disability eligibility is the first critical step to a successful claim. To be approved for tax-free compensation, you must understand the framework the Department of Veterans Affairs uses to evaluate every file.
A VA Rater's decision ultimately comes down to three specific requirements. If you are missing any one of these "pillars," your claim will likely be denied.
Pillar 1: A Current Diagnosis
You must have a current, chronic disability diagnosed by a medical professional.
Pillar 2: An In-Service Event
You need evidence of an event, injury, or illness that occurred while you were serving on active duty.
Pillar 3: A Medical Nexus
A medical professional must provide an opinion (Nexus Letter) that links your current diagnosis to that in-service event.
Types of Service Connection
1. Direct Service Connection
An injury or disease clearly documented in your service treatment records (STRs).
Example: You injured your knee during a ruck march, it's in your STRs, and now you have arthritis. That's direct service connection.
2. Aggravation
A pre-existing condition that was made worse by your military service.
Example: You had mild asthma before enlisting. Military service (burn pits, chemical exposure) made it significantly worse. You can claim aggravation.
3. Presumptive Service Connection
Conditions the VA automatically assumes were caused by service (e.g., PACT Act, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune).
Example: You served in Iraq or Afghanistan and developed respiratory issues. Under the PACT Act, the VA presumes your condition is service-connected.
4. Secondary Service Connection
A new disability caused by a condition you are already rated for.
Example: You're service-connected for a bad knee at 10%. Over the years, favoring that knee caused lower back problems. You can file a secondary claim for your back.
⚠️ Why Claims Get Denied
Most veterans file without understanding these three pillars. They assume the VA will "figure it out" or "give them the benefit of the doubt." The VA won't. If you're missing even ONE of these pillars, your claim gets denied and you start over from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get VA disability if I work full-time?
Yes. You can work a full-time job and still maintain VA disability eligibility, even at the 100% rating level. The only exception is if you are rated 100% specifically for "Individual Unemployability" (TDIU).
Does my discharge status matter for eligibility?
Yes. To be eligible for VA disability compensation, you generally must have a discharge status other than "Dishonorable."
What if my injury wasn't diagnosed until years later?
You can still file a claim. However, the burden of proof is on you to provide the "Medical Nexus" linking your current diagnosis to your time in service. This is why Step 05 (The Medical Arsenal) is so critical.
💡 Pro Tip: Secondary Claims Are Powerful
Many veterans stop after their initial rating. But secondary claims let you connect the dots between your existing service-connected conditions and new issues that developed as a result. This is how you climb from 10% to 60%, 70%, or higher.
Phase 2: Building the Case
The Paper Trail: Service Records
Your service records are the foundation of your claim. Here's how to get them.
Why Service Records Matter
Your service records are Pillar 2 of the Caluza Triangle—proof that something happened during your time in uniform.
Without these records, you have no evidence that your injury or condition is connected to your military service. The VA will not take your word for it. They need documentation.
⚠️ Real Talk: Empty STRs
If you were like most of us—popping Motrin and avoiding sick call—your STRs might not show the full picture. That's okay. You can still build a strong claim using buddy letters, lay statements, and nexus letters to bridge the gap.
The Four Essential Documents
1. DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge)
Your proof of service showing dates of service, discharge status, MOS, awards and decorations.
Why it matters: The VA uses this to verify you served and that your discharge status qualifies you for benefits.
2. Service Treatment Records (STRs)
Your medical records from your time in service including sick call visits, injuries documented during training or deployment, physical exams, prescriptions and treatments.
Why it matters: This is the smoking gun. If your injury or illness is documented in your STRs, it proves the in-service event happened.
3. Personnel Files (OMPF / 201 File)
Contains duty assignments, performance evaluations, awards and commendations, deployment orders.
Why it matters: This helps establish what you did and where you served. If you're claiming a condition related to deployment (e.g., burn pit exposure), your personnel file proves you were there.
4. Deployment Records
Shows where you deployed, dates of deployment, combat zones or hazardous duty locations.
Why it matters: Certain conditions are presumed service-connected if you deployed to specific locations (Agent Orange, burn pits, Camp Lejeune).
The Human Story: Lay Evidence
Your voice is evidence. Here's how to translate your service into language the VA understands.
Why Lay Evidence Matters
You have your service records (Step 03). They show dates, duty stations, maybe a sick call visit or two. But they don't tell the full story.
They don't explain what it felt like to carry 80 pounds of gear on patrol every day for a year. They don't describe the mental toll. They don't show how your back pain makes you miss your kid's baseball games.
The VA Rater has to consider "Lay Evidence" (your story and witness statements) just as seriously as medical evidence, as long as it describes things you can see, hear, or feel.
Which Form Do I Use?
Personal Statement (VA Form 21-4138)
Use this when YOU are writing about yourself. Describe your symptoms and your in-service event.
Download FormBuddy Letter (VA Form 21-10210)
Use this when SOMEONE ELSE (spouse, friends, service members, co-workers) is writing about you. They act as your eyewitness.
Download FormThe Three-Part Formula
1. The Before: "I was healthy when I joined. Played sports, no issues."
2. The Event: "In 2014, I fell off a truck. Went to sick call, took 800mg Motrin, kept working."
3. The Now: "Today, I miss work 2 days a month because my back locks up. I can't lift my kids."
✅ Example: Strong Lay Statement
Before: "I joined the Army in 2005 with no knee problems. I ran track in high school and passed all physical requirements."
Event: "During a training exercise in 2007, I landed wrong coming off a wall and felt my knee pop. I went to sick call the next day. They gave me 800mg Motrin and told me to ice it. I continued training because I didn't want to be seen as weak."
Now: "Today, my knee swells up after standing for more than 30 minutes. I can't run anymore. I have trouble going up stairs. On bad days, I limp."
🎯 Speak Their Language — From One Veteran to Another
Most VA claim managers were never in the military. They don't know your job, your unit culture, or what your day-to-day life actually looked like in uniform.
Don't assume they understand what your MOS/Job Code duties were, how often you carried weight, bent, knelt, jumped, or stood watch.
You have to spell it out in plain language. Explain what a normal day looked like, the physical and mental strain, and how doing the same tasks over and over broke you down over time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Bad: "My knee hurts a lot."
✅ Good: "My knee pain is a 7 out of 10 most days. It prevents me from standing for more than 30 minutes without needing to sit down."
❌ Bad: "I have PTSD."
✅ Good: "I was deployed to Iraq in 2007. I was in a convoy that was hit by an IED. Since then, I have nightmares 3-4 times a week, avoid crowds, and can't handle loud noises."
Pro Tip
Keep your statement under 2 pages. Raters have hundreds of claims to review. Make yours easy to read.
The Medical Arsenal: Professional Evidence
This is where you bring the firepower. DBQs, nexus letters, and the ACE process—your ace in the hole.
VA Nexus Letter: Why Medical Evidence Matters
A VA nexus letter is the single most powerful piece of evidence in your VA disability claim. Without it, even the strongest service records and lay statements won't be enough to prove service connection.
This is Pillar 1 (Current Diagnosis) and Pillar 3 (Nexus) of the Caluza Triangle.
Without a doctor's opinion linking your current condition to your military service, the VA will deny your claim. Period.
⚠️ Red Flag: Weak VA Nexus Letters
Avoid doctors who write vague statements like "The veteran's condition may be related to service." The VA will reject this. The VA nexus letter must say "at least as likely as not" or give a percentage of 50% or higher.
🎯 THE ACE IN THE HOLE: Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE)
Here's what most veterans don't know:
The VA is legally allowed to rate your claim based solely on the evidence you provide. This is called the Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) process.
The regulation: Found in the VA's Adjudication Procedures Manual, M21-1, Part IV, Subpart i, Chapter 3, Section A.
What it says: M21-1 states that a private DBQ should be accepted as "sufficient for rating purposes" if it is "competent, credible, and covers the necessary medical clinical findings."
This means you can control the narrative by bringing your own medical evidence instead of gambling on whatever contractor the VA assigns you.
This is the closest thing to a "cheat code" in the VA claims process.
Step 3: The VA Nexus Letter
The Magic Phrase:
"It is "at least as likely as not" (50% or greater probability) that [Veteran's Name]'s current [condition] is related to their military service."
What Makes a Strong VA Nexus Letter?
- Written by a qualified medical professional (MD, DO, NP, PA in the relevant specialty)
- References your service records (shows they reviewed your STRs)
- References your current medical records (shows they reviewed your diagnosis)
- Uses the magic phrase: "at least as likely as not"
- Explains the medical reasoning (why they believe the condition is service-connected)
Phase 3: Submission & Waiting
Submitting the Claim: FDC vs Standard
You've gathered your evidence. Now it's time to submit. Choose your path wisely.
The Two Paths: FDC vs. Standard Claim
When you submit your VA disability claim, you have two options: Fully Developed Claim (FDC) or Standard Claim.
The path you choose determines how fast your claim gets processed and how much control you have over the evidence.
Fully Developed Claim (FDC)
You submit all your evidence upfront. You tell the VA: "Here's everything you need. Rate it."
What you're submitting:
- • Service records (DD-214, STRs, personnel files)
- • Medical records (VA and private)
- • Lay statements and buddy letters
- • Nexus letters
- • Private DBQs (if you have them)
Advantages:
- ✓ Faster processing: FDC claims are prioritized and typically decided faster
- ✓ You control the evidence: The VA rates based on what you provide
- ✓ Cleaner submission: Everything is organized and ready for the rater
Disadvantages:
- ✗ You do the work: You have to gather all the evidence yourself
- ✗ One shot: If you submit an FDC and it's denied, you can't add new evidence without filing a supplemental claim
Standard Claim
You submit your claim and let the VA gather some or all of the evidence for you.
Advantages:
- ✓ Less work upfront: The VA gathers records for you
- ✓ More flexible: You can add evidence as the claim develops
Disadvantages:
- ✗ Slower processing: Can take months longer
- ✗ Less control: The VA decides what evidence to request and when
- ✗ Delays: If the VA can't get your records, your claim stalls
Pro Tip
💡 My Recommendation: File an FDC. If you've followed this guide through Steps 01–05, you already have everything you need. You've done the work. Don't hand control back to the VA now.
The C&P Exam: Tactics & Survival
What to say, what NOT to say, and how to make sure your exam accurately reflects your condition.
What is a C&P Exam?
The Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is a medical evaluation conducted by a VA-contracted doctor to assess the severity of your claimed conditions.
This exam is NOT treatment. The examiner is not there to help you feel better. They are there to document your condition for rating purposes.
The exam determines your rating. If you don't communicate your symptoms accurately, you'll get a lower rating—or a denial.
⚠️ Tip #1: Avoid the Polite Trap
When you walk in, the examiner will smile and ask, "How are you doing today?" DO NOT SAY: "I'm doing good." SAY THIS INSTEAD: "I'm nervous, and my back is really hurting from the drive over here." If you say "I'm fine" out of habit, they will write "Veteran reports he is doing fine" in your medical file. That one sentence can sink your claim. This is the most common mistake veterans make.
Tip #2: Describe Your "Worst Day"
We are trained to be tough. We suck it up. But the C&P exam is the one time you need to drop the shield. If you are having a "good day" during the exam, you must tell the examiner about your worst day. Tell them about the day your back went out and you couldn't get off the toilet. Tell them about the day your migraine was so bad you had to call in sick.
Tip #3: The "Stop When It Hurts" Rule
For orthopedic claims (knees, back, shoulders), the examiner will use a goniometer to measure your range of motion. They will tell you to bend or move "as far as you can." Stop the second you feel pain. Not when you can't move anymore—stop when the pain starts. The VA rates you based on functional loss due to pain. If you grit your teeth and force yourself to touch your toes, the examiner will write down "Full Range of Motion," and you will be denied.
Tip #4: What to Bring to Your Exam
Do not assume the doctor has read your file. Pack: Your Personal Statement (printed copy), List of Medications with side effects, A Spouse or Friend as a witness who can help remind you of symptoms.
⚠️ Tip #5: Handling a Bad Examiner
Sometimes you get a terrible examiner. They are rude, they don't look at your records, or they rush you out in 5 minutes. Do not wait for the denial. Immediately write a "Memorandum for Record" (MFR) describing exactly what went wrong. Upload this to your claim file on VA.gov immediately. This creates a paper trail that you can use to fight a bad decision later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Bad: "My knee hurts sometimes, but I can still walk."
✅ Good: "My knee pain is a 7 out of 10 most days. I can't walk more than 15 minutes without needing to sit down. On bad days, I limp."
❌ Bad: "My back is okay today."
✅ Good: "My back is manageable today, but I have flare-ups 3-4 times a month where I can't get out of bed."
🎯 Final Advice: Stay Calm, Be Honest, Stick to the Facts. Describe your worst days. Stop when it hurts. Document everything.
The Tracker & VERA: Monitor Your Claim
Don't wait blind. Track your claim and get real answers from a human.
Why Tracking Your Claim Matters
After you submit your claim, the waiting begins. But you don't have to wait in the dark.
The VA provides tools to track your claim status, and there are third-party tools that give you even more insight. On top of that, you can schedule a VERA appointment to speak directly with a VA representative and get real answers.
Understanding the Claim Phases
Phase 1: Claim Received
The VA has received your claim and assigned it a claim number.
Phase 2: Initial Review
A VA employee is reviewing your claim to make sure it's complete.
Phase 3: Evidence Gathering, Review, and Decision
This is the longest phase. The VA is requesting records, scheduling C&P exams, reviewing evidence, and assigning a rating. This is where most claims spend the majority of their time.
Phase 4: Preparation for Notification
Your decision has been made. The VA is preparing your decision letter.
Phase 5: Complete
Your decision letter has been mailed. Check VA.gov or your mail for the results.
Pro Tip
💡 How Often Should You Use VERA? You can schedule VERA appointments every 14–21 days if you want regular updates on your claim. Don't let anyone tell you this is "too often." VERA exists to serve you, and getting updates every 2-3 weeks is perfectly reasonable—especially if your claim has been sitting for months.
Phase 4: The Outcome & Beyond
Appeals & Reviews: The Pivot
If you're denied or rated too low, don't give up. Here's how to fight back.
You Got Your Decision—Now What?
VA Higher-Level Review and Supplemental Claims are your two main options when the VA denies your claim or gives you a rating that's too low.
Don't panic. Don't give up. The VA gets things wrong all the time. Denials and low ratings are common—especially on initial claims. But you have options to fight back, and those options are built into the system.
⚠️ Board Appeals Are Slow
Board Appeals can take years. Only escalate to the Board if you've exhausted Higher-Level Review and Supplemental Claims or if your case is truly complex and needs a judge's decision.
1. Higher-Level Review (HLR)
A senior reviewer looks at your claim with the same evidence and decides if the original rater made a mistake.
When to use:
- • You believe the rater made a clear and obvious error
- • You have no new evidence to submit
- • The rater ignored evidence you already provided
- • You want a faster decision (HLRs are generally quicker)
⚠️ You cannot submit new evidence with a Higher-Level Review.
Timeline: Average: 4–5 months
Download VA Form 20-09962. Supplemental Claim
You submit new and relevant evidence and your claim is reviewed again from scratch.
When to use:
- • You have new medical evidence (new diagnosis, updated medical records, new nexus letter)
- • You have new buddy letters or lay statements
- • You realized you were missing critical evidence the first time
Timeline: Average: 4–6 months
Download VA Form 20-09953. Board of Veterans Appeals (Board Appeal)
You escalate your claim to a Veterans Law Judge who makes a binding decision.
When to use:
- • You've already tried HLR or Supplemental Claim and still disagree
- • You want a hearing with a judge
- • Your case is complex and requires legal interpretation
Docket Options:
Direct Review (12–18 months)
Judge reviews based on existing evidence. No new evidence, no hearing.
Evidence Submission (18–24 months)
You can submit new evidence within 90 days.
Hearing Request (24–36+ months)
You request a hearing (virtual or in-person) with a Veterans Law Judge.
Pro Tip
🎯 My Strategy: Supplemental Claim First. In most cases, I recommend filing a Supplemental Claim first. Why? Because you can add stronger evidence and give the VA another chance to get it right. Save the Board Appeal for when you've truly exhausted all other options.
The Win: Protect & Maximize Your Benefits
You earned this. Now protect your rating and unlock every benefit you deserve.
Congratulations—You Won Your Rating
You filed your claim. You gathered your evidence. You survived the C&P exam. You fought through the waiting, the bureaucracy, and maybe even an appeal or two.
And now you have your rating. Whether you're at 10%, 50%, 70%, or 100% Permanent & Total (P&T), you earned every percentage point.
But the journey doesn't end here. Now it's time to protect your rating and maximize your benefits.
VA Disability Rating Protection: The 5/10/20-Year Rules
The VA can reduce your rating if they believe your condition has improved. But there are VA disability rating protection rules that limit when and how they can do this.
The 5-Year Rule
If you've been rated for a condition for 5 continuous years, the VA cannot reduce your rating unless they can prove your condition has sustained improvement.
What this means: The VA can't reduce you based on a single good C&P exam. They have to show your condition has actually gotten better over time.
The 10-Year Rule
If you've been rated for a condition for 10 continuous years, the VA cannot sever (completely remove) your service connection for that condition.
What this means: Once you hit 10 years, that condition is locked in. They can reduce the percentage, but they can't take it away entirely.
The 20-Year Rule
If you've been rated for a condition for 20 continuous years, the VA cannot reduce your rating below the percentage you held for those 20 years.
What this means: If you've been at 70% for 20 years, the VA can't drop you below 70%, even if your condition improves.
🗺️ State Veterans Benefits
Beyond federal VA benefits, every state offers additional perks for veterans—property tax exemptions, free hunting/fishing licenses, education assistance, and more. Your state may have benefits worth thousands of dollars.
Ready to Begin?
The first step is filing your Intent to File. Do it today — it takes 5 minutes and could be worth tens of thousands of dollars in backpay.
Submit Intent to File on VA.gov