⚠️ NOTICE & LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
This checklist is an independent informational planning guide designed to assist military service members and veterans in gathering and organizing medical documentation. It does not constitute legal or official Department of Veterans Affairs advice. Please visit
VA.gov or consult an accredited Veteran Service Officer (VSO) or Accredited Representative to initiate official claims and legal filings.
📘 Overview: What Is VA Disability Compensation?
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment if VA finds you have a disease, injury, or condition that started or got worse because of military service. A rating from 0%–100% can also open other benefits (health care, housing, auto, etc.).
🎯 High-Level Eligibility Requirements
You generally need three primary elements to establish a service-connected claim:
- An in-service event, injury, or disease (or aggravation)
- A current diagnosis
- A medical (or accepted lay) link between the two
File if you believe service caused or worsened a condition.
Step 1: Submit an Intent to File (Locks in Back-Pay Date)
Filing an Intent to File establishes your effective date for benefits, preserving potential retroactive pay while you spend up to 1 year gathering medical evidence. If using paper, an intent to file can preserve an earlier effective date while you gather evidence (complete the claim within 1 year). Starting an online application can also preserve the start date if you finish within 365 days.
Still in service? Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) is typically 180–90 days before separation, submitted with current service treatment records.
Step 2: Gather Service Treatment Records (STRs) & Medical Evidence
Request your complete active duty / Guard medical and dental records, line-of-duty (LOD) determinations, and civilian medical records. Gather evidence including DD214 or equivalent, service/VA/private medical records, and buddy/lay statements.
- MHS GENESIS & Tricare medical history printouts
- LOD (Line of Duty) paperwork for Guard/Reserve injuries
- Private physician diagnosis records & imaging reports
- Medical records & opinions, lay/buddy statements
- Extra forms for dependents, Individual Unemployability (IU), PTSD, adaptive housing/auto, aid and attendance (listed on 21-526EZ)
Note: VA may gather federal records; submitting what you already have can speed up review.
📄 Evidence Needed Details →
Step 3: Connect Service to Conditions & Submit Claim
A strong claim requires three elements: (1) Current diagnosis, (2) In-service event/injury, and (3) Medical Nexus linking the two.
File in one of these four ways:
Step 4: Find an Accredited VSO (Free Claims Support)
Never navigate the claim process alone. VSOs (DAV, VFW, American Legion, State Vet Representatives) provide free accredited assistance.
Step 5: Attend C&P Exams & Track Status
Be honest and accurate during Compensation & Pension exams describing your worst days. Go to any requested C&P exam. Track decision letters online at VA.gov.
📊 Track Claim or Appeal Status Online →
⚖️ After a Decision: AMA Decision Review & Appeal Options
Claims decided on or after February 19, 2019 use Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) review options:
1. Supplemental Claim: Submit new and relevant evidence (file anytime; within 1 year usually preserves your original effective date).
2. Higher-Level Review: Senior reviewer examines same evidence, no new evidence allowed (generally within 1 year).
3. Board Appeal: Appeal directly to a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans' Appeals (generally within 1 year).
🎁 Related VA Disability-Linked Benefits (Separate Applications)
A disability rating can also unlock separate benefit programs including Specially Adapted Housing (SAH), Auto Allowance, Individual Unemployability (IU), Aid and Attendance, and healthcare.
Note: Always confirm current monthly payment tables and rates directly on VA.gov before referencing dollar amounts as compensation tables change annually.
🔗 Additional Forms & How to File →
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Frequently Asked Questions (Facts & Q&A)
Question
What form is the main claim?
Answer: VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits).
Question
Do I need a VSO?
Question
What is the effective date?
Answer: Usually the later of claim receipt or when entitlement arose. Exceptions include claims filed within 1 year of discharge, submitting an intent to file, continuous pursuit of AMA reviews, and specific increase rules. Confirm on
VA.gov; Board decisions apply those rules case by case.
Question
Can family get extra money?
Answer: Additional amounts may apply for a spouse, dependent children, or dependent parents. Extra rules apply for school-age children and seriously disabled children (often requiring a 30%+ combined rating).
Question
Phone Support & Locations?
