VA Claims Mission Control Build Your Strongest Claim. One Step at a Time.
You do not have to figure out the VA system alone. AFL walks you through the process one step at a time, helps you organize your evidence, and builds your claim as you go.
Protecting What Veterans Have Earned
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
New Here?
Choose the situation that sounds most like you. Mission Control will recommend the best place to begin.
Your Case Dashboard
This dashboard reads saved progress from the guided AFL claims tools on this same browser and device.
Nexus, DBQs & Letter 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.
Veteran Knowledge Center
Plain-English answers to the questions every veteran eventually asks.
Understand the Process Before It Becomes Another Maze
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.
Your Claim, Step by Step
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.
Evidence Center
Tools, templates, official references, and special programs organized by what they help you accomplish.
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.
Investigation Tools
Records Detective
Gather records, reconstruct missing evidence, and organize your claim history.
Open Records DetectiveDisability Rating Library
A streamlined reference from 38 CFR Part 4 for finding rating criteria, diagnostic codes, and disability information.
Open LibraryVeteran Disability Calculator
See the VA math broken down by percentages and explained without the headache.
Open CalculatorSpecial Programs and Official Sources
PACT Act
The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our PACT Act expands benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.
Learn About the PACT ActOfficial VA Rulebook
The full government version of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities in 38 CFR Part 4.
View on eCFR.govCommunity Intel
Share What Helped
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 TipsClaim Notebook
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