Veterans Disability Lawyer
VA Disability Process
The VA Disability Claim Process
Filing a VA disability claim can involve several stages. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to establish that you have a current disability, show that it is connected to your military service, and provide evidence that helps VA determine the severity of the condition.
The process can look different depending on whether you are filing an initial claim, seeking an increased rating, claiming a secondary condition, or challenging a previous VA decision.
A typical claim moves through filing, evidence gathering, VA review, a possible C&P examination, a rating decision, and notification of the result.
The VA Disability Claim Process
Determine What Type of Claim You Need
Gather Your Evidence
File Your VA Claim
VA Reviews the Evidence
Attend a C&P Examination, If Required
VA Assigns a Disability Rating
What Evidence does VA Consider?
The evidence needed depends on the claim. VA may consider federal and private records, statements, and other supporting evidence.
A Compensation & Pension examination may be scheduled when VA needs additional information to decide your claim. The examiner may ask about symptoms, medical history, service history, treatment, and how the condition affects your daily life.
If VA schedules an examination, attend the appointment and answer questions accurately. Explain your symptoms and functional limitations clearly.
A C&P examination is generally an evaluation for the VA claim rather than a substitute for ongoing medical treatment.
How VA determines your Disability Rating
When VA determines that a condition is service connected, it assigns a disability rating based on the severity of the condition and the applicable criteria in VA’s rating schedule.
The percentage can affect monthly compensation. When a Veteran has multiple service-connected disabilities, VA uses a combined-rating method rather than simply adding each percentage together.
Your VA decision letter should explain the rating assigned and the effective date. If you believe the rating does not accurately reflect your condition, review options may be available.
What happens If your Claim Is Denied?
Supplemental Claim
Higher-Level Review
Board Appeal
VA Disability Claims that may require additional analysis
Increased Ratings
TDIU
Toxic Exposure Claims
There is no single timeline that applies to every VA disability claim. Processing time can depend on the type and number of conditions claimed, the amount of evidence, whether VA needs additional records, whether an examination is required, and whether the claim enters a review or appeal process.
VA publishes current processing information, but an individual claim can take more or less time depending on its circumstances.
Be cautious of anyone promising that your claim will be approved within a specific timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can file a VA disability compensation claim online, by mail, in person, by fax, or with help from an accredited representative.
The evidence depends on your claim. It may include medical records, military records, supporting statements, and medical opinions.
Not every claim requires an examination. VA may schedule one when it needs additional information to decide your claim.
VA continues reviewing the evidence and, when applicable, determines service connection and assigns a disability rating.
VA allows Veterans to work with an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization representative for assistance with claims and decision reviews.