VA Claims Mission Control Start where you are. Find your next step.
New to VA claims? Begin with the investigation. Already started or been through the process? Head straight to the Claims Builder.
Have you started the VA claims process before?
Choose the path that matches your experience.
No — I have not started.
Start with the investigation. Explore your service history and records to identify what you have and what you may need.
Start the Claim Investigation →Yes — I have started or been through it.
Go directly to the Claims Builder. Use this path if you have begun the process, filed before, received a decision, or are working on an increase or additional conditions.
Go to the Claims Builder →Helping someone else? Choose based on their experience with the VA claims process.
Overview
This dashboard reads saved progress from the guided AFL claims tools on this same browser and device.
Investigation progress
Optional guidance for gathering records and organizing your claim. If you have already started or filed, you can go straight to the Claims Builder using the path above.
Tools & templates
Find nexus letter templates and plain-language personal, buddy, spouse, caregiver, and workplace statement templates. Resources are organized by the kind of evidence you need and the claim connection you are trying to explain.
DBQs, evidence guidance & official resources
Your Own Provider May Be Able to Complete Your DBQ
A C&P exam is not automatically required for every claim. You may ask your own qualified, licensed healthcare provider to complete the current public Disability Benefits Questionnaire for your condition. If the evidence in your file is adequate, VA may be able to rate the claim without another in-person examination.
VA can accept an adequate private medical examination or physician statement without ordering another examination. VA—not the veteran or provider—decides whether the evidence is sufficient.
If VA schedules a C&P exam, attend it or contact VA immediately to reschedule. A private DBQ does not automatically cancel the appointment.
Before Your Provider Completes the Form
- Download a fresh copy directly from VA so the form is current.
- Confirm that the provider meets the qualifications listed on that DBQ. Some forms require a specialist or have stricter examiner rules.
- Bring relevant treatment records, imaging, testing, medication history, and a clear description of flare-ups and functional limitations.
- Ask the provider to complete every applicable section and identify the records reviewed.
- Check for the provider's signature, date, license information, specialty, NPI, and contact information before submitting it.
Know What the Evidence Does
DBQ: Records the diagnosis, symptoms, medical findings, testing, functional impact, and severity VA uses when evaluating the condition.
Nexus opinion: Explains whether and why the condition is connected to service or to another service-connected disability. A DBQ does not automatically establish that connection.
ACE review: When the file has enough medical evidence, VA may use the Acceptable Clinical Evidence process to review the records instead of requiring an in-person exam.
Cost and verification: VA does not reimburse private DBQ expenses and may verify the form, request more information, or order another examination.
AFL educational guidance based on VA's public DBQ instructions, VA claim-exam guidance, and 38 CFR § 3.326. Always follow the instructions printed on the specific DBQ you use.
Official reference
Official VA Rulebook
The full government version of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities in 38 CFR Part 4.
View on eCFR.govInvestigation stages
Each stage below explains what you are doing, why it matters, and what you should have when you finish. Work in order when you can, but return to any stage whenever you remember something new.
My notes
Everything written here stays on this device and is automatically saved.
Autosave ready.
Help & community
Find plain-language guidance, learn from other veterans, or support AFL’s work.
Learn about the claims process
Plain-English answers to the questions every veteran eventually asks.
The Veteran Knowledge Center is being built as a dedicated digital library for VA claims, disability ratings, appeals, healthcare, education benefits, dependents, special programs, and other topics veterans and families need explained clearly.
Tips and knowledge from Veteran's that have been through it too.
Community tips & experiences
Submit a fact, tip, or experience that could guide another veteran. A simple lesson learned or something you wish someone had told you earlier could save someone else weeks of confusion.
Explore or Submit Community TipsAFL’s impact & how to support it
Free support for veterans
AFL provides claims education and self-help tools at no cost. Our impact estimate shows what veterans may avoid paying to unaccredited claims companies by having a free place to get organized and understand the process.
How this estimate works and how common claims fees compare
Planning estimate based on the midpoint of the commonly reported $5,000–$10,000 unaccredited-company fee range. Actual avoided fees vary; this is an impact estimate, not an audited savings total. Claim-company fee reporting · VA fee guidance