VA disability is based on the following three major requirements:
To start your intent to file, click the link below and follow the instructions on the webpage. Once you submit an Intent to File, you protect your effective date. From that day, you’ll have 1 year to complete your claims while still being eligible for retroactive pay.
Request your service treatment records, personnel file, and C-File through a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request. Processing may take months, so submit early.
Personal Statement: Describe your disability, when/how it began, and how it affects daily life and employment.
Lay Statements: Family, friends, or coworkers who observed your condition can provide supporting statements.
Buddy Statements: Ask fellow service members to confirm in-service events, injuries, or stressors.
Collect all medical records (VA & private). Use Blue Button for VA records, FOIA requests, or CDs from discharge. Highlight relevant events, diagnoses, and treatments.
To submit a new claim, click link below and follow the instructions on the webpage. Make sure to include all collected records and statements with your claim as attachments when prompted to do so.
Processing can take several months. Keep your contact info updated, attend VA exams (C&P exams), and regularly check claim status for VA requests.
Collect additional information that could support your claim, such as:
Apply, if you disagree with a VA claim decision and want a senior reviewer to look at your claim. No additional information is accepted
Prepare and submit Higher-Level-Review request