VA Disability Claims: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Bottom Line Up Front: VA disability provides tax-free monthly compensation (10%-100% ratings: $171-$3,737/month) for service-connected conditions. File while still on active duty (BDD program = faster processing). Need: Current diagnosis + in-service event/injury + nexus linking them. Claims take 3-12 months. Use VSO (free) for help. Most veterans underrate conditions - file for EVERYTHING.

VA Disability Basics

Monthly Compensation Rates (2025)

| Rating | Monthly (Veteran Only) | With Spouse | With Spouse + 1 Child | |-----------|---------------------------|----------------|-------------------------| | 10% | $171 | $171 | $171 | | 20% | $338 | $338 | $338 | | 30% | $524 | $586 | $633 | | 40% | $755 | $838 | $897 | | 50% | $1,075 | $1,154 | $1,213 | | 60% | $1,361 | $1,454 | $1,525 | | 70% | $1,716 | $1,823 | $1,899 | | 80% | $1,995 | $2,115 | $2,203 | | 90% | $2,241 | $2,376 | $2,471 | | 100% | $3,737 | $3,946 | $4,072 |

Tax-free: VA disability is NOT taxed (federal or state)

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The Three Requirements for Service Connection

1. Current Diagnosis

Need:

• Medical diagnosis from doctor/therapist
• Can be from VA provider OR private provider
• Must be documented in medical records

Example conditions:

• PTSD
• Hearing loss
• Knee injury
• Sleep apnea
• Back pain
• Tinnitus (ringing in ears)

2. In-Service Event or Injury

Need:

• Event happened during military service
• Documented in service medical records (SMRs)
• OR buddy statements if not documented

Examples:

• Combat exposure → PTSD
• Loud noise exposure → hearing loss
• Parachute landing → knee injury
• Burn pit exposure → respiratory issues

3. Nexus (Link Between #1 and #2)

Need:

• Doctor's opinion linking current condition to service
• "Nexus letter" or IMO (Independent Medical Opinion)
• Can be from VA C&P examiner OR private doctor

Example nexus statement:

"It is my medical opinion that the veteran's current PTSD is at least as likely as not (50% or more) caused by combat exposure during deployment to Iraq in 2008."

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How to File VA Disability Claim (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Gather Evidence (Start 6-12 Months Before Separation)

Documents needed:

1. DD-214 (discharge paperwork)
2. Service medical records (SMRs) - get from VA or via ebenefits.va.gov
3. Private medical records (if you saw civilian doctors)
4. Buddy statements (for combat-related claims)
5. Marriage certificate (if claiming spouse/dependent benefits)

Buddy statement template:

I, [Name], [Rank], served with [Veteran's Name] in [Unit] from [Dates]. I witnessed [event/injury]. Specifically, I observed [details]. Since that time, I've noticed [symptoms/changes in veteran]. This statement is true to the best of my knowledge.

Signed: [Name], [Date], [Contact Info]

Step 2: File Claim Online

Go to VA.gov:

1. Create account (verify identity via ID.me)
2. Click "File a Claim"
3. Select "File for Disability Compensation"
4. Fill out VA Form 21-526EZ

Claim what:

• List ALL conditions (even "minor" ones)
• Don't self-rate (let VA rate you)
• Include mental health (PTSD, anxiety, depression)

Step 3: Attend C&P Exam (Compensation & Pension)

What happens:

• VA schedules exam with contracted examiner
• Usually 1-2 months after filing claim
• Examiner evaluates each claimed condition
• Writes report for VA rater

How to prepare:

• Bring all medical records
• Be honest (don't exaggerate, but don't minimize)
• Describe WORST days, not best days
• Explain how condition affects daily life

Example answers:

Bad: "My knee hurts sometimes."
Good: "My knee pain is 6/10 daily. It prevents me from running, playing with my kids, or standing for more than 30 minutes. I wake up 3 times per night due to pain. I take 800mg ibuprofen 3x/day just to function."

Step 4: Wait for Decision (3-12 Months)

Timeline:

• BDD (Benefits Delivery at Discharge): 60-90 days
• Standard claim: 3-6 months
• Complex claim: 6-12+ months

Check status:

• VA.gov (claim status tracker)
• eBenefits.va.gov
• Call VA: 800-827-1000

Step 5: Review Decision Letter

VA sends:

• Rating decision letter
• Breakdown of each condition
• Effective date
• Monthly payment amount

If approved:

• Payments start within 30 days
• Backpay from effective date (usually date of filing)

If denied:

• You can appeal (see below)

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How to Increase Your VA Rating

File for More Conditions

Common missed claims:

• Tinnitus (ringing in ears) - almost all vets qualify
• Sleep apnea - if you snore loudly
• Mental health (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
• Back pain, neck pain, knee pain
• Hearing loss
• Migraines/headaches

Each condition rated separately:

• 10% for tinnitus
• 50% for sleep apnea
• 70% for PTSD
• 20% for knee injury
• Combined: 90%+ possible (VA uses combined ratings table, not simple addition)

File Secondary Claims

What it is: Condition caused by already service-connected condition

Examples:

• PTSD (service-connected) → Depression (secondary to PTSD)
• Knee injury (service-connected) → Back pain (secondary to compensating for bad knee)
• Sleep apnea (service-connected) → GERD (secondary to CPAP use)

Request Increase (If Condition Worsens)

When to file:

• Condition has worsened since original rating
• New symptoms developed
• Requires more treatment

Process:

1. File "Claim for Increase" (VA Form 21-526EZ)
2. Provide updated medical evidence
3. Attend new C&P exam
4. Wait for decision

Warning: VA can reduce rating if examiner finds improvement (rare, but possible)

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BDD (Benefits Delivery at Discharge) Program

What Is BDD?

File VA claim while still on active duty

• 90-180 days before separation
• VA processes claim BEFORE you separate
• Rating decision within 60 days of discharge
• Payments start immediately after separation

Eligibility

• 90-180 days before separation date
• Honorable discharge
• Available for VA C&P exam before separation

Advantages

• ✅ Much faster (60 days vs. 6-12 months)
• ✅ No gap in income (VA payments start right away)
• ✅ Can attend C&P exam while still active

How to Apply for BDD

1. Submit VA claim 90-180 days before separation
2. Attend VA C&P exam (scheduled before separation)
3. Complete separation
4. Receive VA rating within 60 days

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Common VA Claim Mistakes

❌ Mistake #1: Not Filing Before Separation

Reality: You separate. File claim 6 months later. Wait another 6 months for decision. 12 months with no VA income.

Fix: File BDD 90-180 days before separation. Get rating immediately.

❌ Mistake #2: Not Claiming "Minor" Conditions

Reality: You think tinnitus isn't worth claiming. Later find out it's automatic 10% = $171/month = $2,052/year for life.

Fix: Claim EVERYTHING. Let VA decide what's ratable.

❌ Mistake #3: Downplaying Symptoms at C&P Exam

Reality: Examiner asks "How's your knee?" You say "It's fine." Get 0% rating.

Fix: Describe worst days. Explain how condition affects daily life. Be honest, thorough.

❌ Mistake #4: Not Using VSO (Veterans Service Officer)

Reality: You file claim alone. Get denied. Don't know why. Don't know how to appeal.

Fix: Use free VSO (DAV, VFW, American Legion). They know the system.

❌ Mistake #5: Not Filing for Mental Health

Reality: You have PTSD, depression, anxiety. Don't claim them (stigma). Miss out on 70%+ rating.

Fix: Mental health conditions are service-connected. File for them. 50-70% of combat veterans qualify.

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How to Appeal Denied Claim

Three Appeal Options

1. Supplemental Claim (Add New Evidence)

• Submit new medical evidence
• Buddy statements
• Nexus letter from private doctor
• Timeline: 3-6 months

2. Higher-Level Review (HLR)

• Senior VA rater reviews same evidence
• No new evidence allowed
• Looking for errors in original decision
• Timeline: 4-6 months

3. Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA)

• Appeal to Board judge
• Can add new evidence
• Can request hearing
• Timeline: 12-24 months

Success rates:

• Supplemental: 30-40% success (if you have new evidence)
• HLR: 15-20% success
• BVA: 40-50% success (especially with lawyer)

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Action Steps

6-12 Months Before Separation:

1. ✅ Get copies of all medical records
2. ✅ List ALL conditions (even "minor" ones)
3. ✅ Get buddy statements (if combat-related)

90-180 Days Before Separation:

1. ✅ File BDD claim via VA.gov
2. ✅ Get VSO assistance (free - DAV, VFW, American Legion)
3. ✅ Attend C&P exam

After Separation:

1. ✅ Check claim status weekly
2. ✅ Respond to VA requests immediately
3. ✅ Review rating decision carefully

If Denied:

1. ✅ Don't panic (you can appeal)
2. ✅ Get private nexus letter
3. ✅ File Supplemental Claim with new evidence

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Verification & Sources

Official Sources:

• VA.gov/disability
• VA disability compensation rates (verified October 2025)
• BDD program: VA.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/pre-discharge-claim

Last Updated: October 31, 2025

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Related Guides

• PTSD VA Disability Rating Guide
• Sleep Apnea VA Claims
• Tinnitus VA Claims (Easy 10%)

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Remember: VA disability is your RIGHT if you have service-connected conditions. File for EVERYTHING. Use BDD. Get VSO help (free). Don't leave money on the table. Average veteran with 70% rating receives $1,716/month ($20,592/year) TAX-FREE for life. That's $411,840 over 20 years. File your claim.