VA Claims Roadmap
This is the step-by-step page most people are looking for. It walks through preparing your claim, filing it, participating in the process, understanding the VA’s decision, fighting a denial, and protecting your back pay.
Open the Claims RoadmapThis is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. Built to help you understand what to do next.
Information & Resources
Have you heard of the PACT Act?
The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our PACT Act is a significant law expanding VA benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxics. You may be entitled to a new rating under these new rules.
Learn About The PACT ActAFL's Disability Rating Library
A streamlined reference from the 38 CFR Part 4 that makes it faster and easier to find Disability Rating Information, codes, and criteria.
Open LibraryAFL's Veteran Disability Calculator
See the math, broken down by percentages and explained, without the headache.
Open CalculatorVeteran Community Tips
An interactive library of real-world advice submitted by fellow veterans. Search for tips, vote on what's helpful, and add your own comments to guide others through their journey.
Explore Community TipsThe Toolbox: Letter Templates
Ever been told you need a letter but didn't know what it should say? Find templates for yourself or for a friend to write here.
Official Source: VA Rulebook (eCFR)
This is the link to the full, official government document for the VA Schedule of Disabilities. Be warned: it's dense legal-ese.
View on eCFR.govFrequently Asked Questions
A Simple Guide to Your First Online VA Account Sign-In
Think of this like getting a special key made for a government building. We just need to create your key one time so you can get into the VA.gov website whenever you need to.
Before You Start, Get These Things Ready:
- A trusted friend or family member to help you (if needed).
- Your Social Security Number.
- Your Driver's License or State ID.
- A pen and paper to write things down.
Step 1: Go to the Website
On a computer or smartphone, go to the VA.gov website. Look for the blue button in the top corner that says "Sign in" and click it.
Step 2: Create Your "Key"
You need to make a special key to unlock the website. We will use the one called Login.gov. Click the button that says "Sign in with Login.gov", then look for a link that says "Create an account" and click it.
Step 3: Make Your Account
Enter your email address and create a strong, secret password. Write your password down on your paper so you don't forget it!
Step 4: Add an Extra Lock
For security, they will ask for your cell phone number. This is so they can text you a secret code each time you sign in, making sure it's really you.
Step 5: Prove You Are You
This is a one-time step. You will need to enter your Social Security Number and other personal details. They may also ask you to take a picture of your Driver's License or State ID with a phone.
Don't Get Frustrated. It can be a struggle for all of us. It is OKAY to ask for help. Ask a trusted friend or call the VA Help Desk at 1-800-698-2411.
What is a NEXUS Letter?
A Nexus Letter is a medical opinion from a qualified doctor that creates a link (a "nexus") between your current disability and your military service. Its only job is to provide a clear, evidence-based opinion that an event from your service caused or worsened your condition.
Why is it So Important?
To approve a claim, the VA needs to see a clear connection. A strong Nexus Letter provides that connection and can be the single most crucial piece of evidence in your claim.
What's in a Strong Nexus Letter?
A good letter must: state the doctor has reviewed your records; provide a clear medical opinion using a key phrase like "is at least as likely as not"; explain the medical reasoning; and be signed with the doctor's credentials.
What is a Lay, Buddy, or Personal Statement?
A Lay Statement is a witness statement for your VA claim from anyone with firsthand, personal knowledge of your situation. When you write it yourself, it's a Personal Statement. When a fellow service member writes it, it's often called a Buddy Statement. Think of it as the human story that fills in the gaps your official records miss.
Why is it So Important?
These statements can prove an undocumented event happened, show the "before and after" of how service changed you, and detail the real-world impact of your disability on your daily life.
What are the 7 Steps of a VA Disability Claim?
Here is a simple guide to what happens after you file a claim. Beware: it's common for claims to bounce between steps 3-6.
- Claim Received: The VA confirms they have your claim.
- Initial Review: A quick check for basic forms.
- Gathering Evidence: The longest step. The VA gets records and schedules your C&P exam. You must attend this.
- Review of Evidence: A Rating Specialist (RVSR) reviews all evidence.
- Preparation for Decision: The RVSR makes and documents a recommended decision.
- Pending Decision Notification: The decision is finalized, and your letter is prepared.
- Claim Complete: The journey is over. The VA mails you a decision packet.
You can track your claim's status anytime on VA.gov, the VA mobile app, or by calling the VA.
How do I add a dependent?
If your VA disability rating is 30% or higher, you can get paid more for eligible dependents (your spouse, children, or financially dependent parents).
The Easy Way:
- Gather Their Info: You'll need their full name, Social Security Number, and date of birth.
- Go to VA.gov: Sign in and find the section for adding dependents.
- Fill Out the Online Form: The website will guide you through the process.
Once approved, the VA will increase your monthly disability pay.
What is VA disability, in plain English?
VA disability is monthly, tax-free money paid to veterans because something about military service injured your body or mind and still affects you today. Think of it as compensation for harm, not charity.
A condition can qualify if it is physical or mental and was either caused by or made worse by your service. To qualify, you need three things: 1) a current diagnosis, 2) an event/injury in service, and 3) a medical link between the two.
The percentage (0-100%) you receive represents how much that condition impacts your ability to function and determines your monthly payment.
A 0% rating is still a win because it locks in service connection, protecting you later if the condition gets worse.
I already have a rating. Should I hesitate to file for an increase?
You can absolutely file for a new condition or an increase. However, you need to keep in mind that when you open a new claim, the VA can re-examine all your existing service-connected conditions. While this is usually not a problem, it's something to be aware of, especially if you are already at a high rating (e.g., 100%).
Do I need to claim VA disability on my taxes?
No. You do NOT claim VA disability compensation on your taxes. Not as income. Not anywhere. Full stop. ✅
The IRS treats it as non-taxable compensation for injury, not as wages or earnings. This applies to your monthly payments and any large lump-sum back pay you might receive. You simply file your taxes normally using only your taxable income and ignore the VA disability payments completely.
What if I think the VA made the wrong decision?
Having a claim denied or rated incorrectly is common, and you should not let it be the final word. You have three main options to fight the decision:
- Supplemental Claim: Use this when you have new evidence that the VA has not seen before, like a new doctor's report or buddy letter.
- Higher-Level Review (HLR): Use this when you believe the VA made a mistake with the evidence they already had. You cannot submit new evidence here, but you can request a phone call to explain the error.
- Board Appeal: This is the most formal option, where you ask a Veterans Law Judge to review your case. This is best for complex cases, repeated denials, or legal arguments.
You can keep appealing until you win, and back pay is usually protected if you appeal on time.
What is Individual Unemployability (TDIU)?
If your service-connected disability prevents you from keeping a steady job (what the VA calls "substantially gainful employment"), you may be eligible for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). This powerful program allows you to be paid at the 100% disability rate, even if your combined rating is less than 100%.
Help simplify the process.
Submit a fact, tip, or experience that could guide another veteran.
If you learned something during your claim process that could help another veteran, share it here. A simple tip, a lesson learned, or something you wish someone had told you earlier could save someone else weeks of confusion.
Submissions may be reviewed and added to the Veteran and First Responder Community Tips Library so future veterans can benefit from real-world experiences.
Submit Your Tip