Here are some helpful resources and links to assist you throughout your VA disability claim process:
Keeping track of your VA claims, appointments, and communications is essential for a successful disability claim. Use our comprehensive tracking template to organize all your information in one place.
| Section | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Veteran Information | Personal and service details for quick reference |
| Claim Tracking Log | Track all your claims, their status, and important deadlines |
| Medical Appointment Tracker | Record details of medical visits related to your claimed conditions |
| C&P Exam Tracker | Document your compensation and pension examination details |
| Communications Log | Keep a record of all interactions with the VA and representatives |
| Current Ratings Summary | Maintain an updated list of your rated conditions and percentages |
A Nexus letter is a crucial document that helps establish the connection between your medical condition and your military service. It must be written by a licensed medical professional who can provide their expert opinion on this connection.
Our professionally designed template includes:
More specialized documents and tracking tools to organize and strengthen your claim.
Document and organize all your medical evidence by condition with automatic summaries.
Never miss an appointment with this comprehensive VA appointment tracking system.
Guided template to help you write compelling personal statements for each condition.
Detailed tracking logs for various conditions including PTSD, migraines, sleep disorders, and chronic pain.
Complete forms and templates for Higher-Level Reviews, Supplemental Claims, and Board Appeals.
Interactive tool to help document and establish connections between primary and secondary conditions.
Customized preparation sheets for different types of C&P exams with tips specific to your claimed conditions.
Interactive calculator to understand your combined rating and simulate potential increases from new claims.
System to monitor when your conditions might be subject to re-examination with automatic reminders.
Comprehensive checklists for different claim types including initial, increases, supplemental, and appeals.
Scripts and questions to help you have productive conversations with healthcare providers about your VA claim.
Get access to all templates, guides, and resources in our comprehensive mobile app for a one-time payment.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions veterans have about the VA disability claims process.
A: The timeline varies significantly based on claim complexity, regional VA office workload, and completeness of submitted documentation. Initial claims currently average 3-5 months for a decision, though some may take longer. Appeals can extend the timeline by months or even years. Using the Fully Developed Claims (FDC) program can help expedite the process.
A: Yes, most veterans receiving VA disability can work without restrictions or impact to their benefits, regardless of rating percentage or income level. The exception is if you're receiving Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which generally restricts substantial gainful employment. Always report employment changes if you're receiving TDIU.
A: Yes, the VA can propose to reduce ratings if they believe your condition has improved. However, there are important protections: ratings in effect for 5+ years require evidence of sustained improvement; service connection can't be severed after 10 years; and ratings at the same level for 20+ years can't be reduced below that level (except in cases of fraud). Always attend scheduled re-examinations.
A: A primary claim is for a condition directly connected to your military service. A secondary claim is for a condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability. For example, if your service-connected knee injury leads to back problems, the back condition would be a secondary claim. Both types can qualify for compensation, but the connection pathway differs.
A: Yes, there is no time limit for filing initial VA disability claims. Some conditions, like certain cancers or neurological issues, may develop years or decades after service. What matters is establishing a service connection through medical evidence, not when the condition appeared. Some conditions (like Agent Orange-related illnesses) have presumptive service connection, making the process easier.
A: It depends on your specific situation. Appeals are appropriate when you believe the VA made an error in their decision based on the evidence already submitted. Filing a new claim works better when you have new evidence that wasn't previously considered or if the appeal deadline has passed. For most denials, starting with a supplemental claim under the Appeals Modernization Act is often the most efficient approach.
A: If military records are unavailable (especially due to the 1973 National Personnel Records Center fire or other circumstances beyond your control), the VA has a "duty to assist" in reconstructing your file. Alternative evidence can include buddy statements, letters from family members describing your condition before and after service, private medical records, and detailed personal statements. A VSO can help identify alternative evidence sources.
A: While not always necessary, a private medical opinion can be valuable, especially for complex conditions or when establishing service connection isn't straightforward. If you disagree with a C&P exam result, a detailed private medical opinion addressing the same issues can provide countering evidence. For conditions with subjective symptoms or when treatment records are limited, private opinions can significantly strengthen your claim.
A: Effective buddy statements are specific, factual, and relevant. They should include details about what the person personally witnessed (the injury, symptoms, or incident), when and where they observed it, and how it affected you. The statement should include the writer's contact information, service details if applicable, and be signed under penalty of perjury. First-hand accounts from those who served with you tend to carry the most weight.
A: No, VA disability compensation is not taxable at the federal or state level. This tax-free status applies to all VA disability benefits, including compensation for service-connected disabilities, dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC), and special monthly compensation (SMC). However, military retirement pay is generally taxable, which is why many veterans elect to receive tax-free VA compensation instead of an equivalent amount of taxable retirement pay.
A: The effective date is typically the date the VA received your claim or the date entitlement arose (whichever is later). For claims filed within one year of discharge, the effective date can be the day after discharge. For increased rating claims, it can be the date evidence shows the disability worsened (up to one year prior to the claim date). For reopened claims based on new evidence, it's the date of the new claim. Appeals have special rules that can preserve the original claim date.
A: VA disability compensation ends when a veteran passes away, but eligible survivors may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if the death was service-related or if the veteran had a 100% rating for at least 10 years. Surviving spouses may also be eligible for a one-time death benefit and accrued benefits (compensation due but not paid before death). Survivors should contact the VA promptly, as some benefits must be applied for within specific timeframes.