Win Your VA Disability Claim
The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Filing, Evidence, and Getting the VA Rating You've Earned
Your Toolkit Includes
Editable guides, templates, trackers, and calculators designed to be used alongside the book. Each file mirrors a concept or chapter from the guide — download what you need, fill it in, and build your claim package at your own pace.
Win Your VA Disability Claim
FWD Assist Publishing
Built by Joshua Christopherson. VA disability claims educator. Air Force and Air National Guard disabled veteran with hands-on VSO experience.
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About This Topic
The foundational guide to VA disability claims from first filing to final rating. Covers every step of the claims process including how to gather evidence, write a personal statement, avoid the most common mistakes that get claims denied, and understand what the VA is actually looking for when it rates your disability.
What the Book Covers
Key topics and takeaways from Win Your VA Disability Claim:
Who This Is For
- Veterans filing a VA disability claim for the first time
- Veterans who were denied and need to understand what went wrong
- Veterans preparing for or recovering from a C&P exam
- Anyone who wants a clear, step-by-step strategy for the claims process
Download the Entire Toolkit
All 28 files in one zip · 0.5 MB
Companion Toolkit
28 files for Win Your VA Disability Claim — Organized by when you need them in the claims process.
Assessment & Preparation
4 files
TDIU Eligibility Worksheet
XLSXAssess TDIU eligibility based on your current ratings and employment status
11 KB
Evidence Building
12 files
Aid Attendance Documentation Package
DOCXAssemble the complete documentation package for an Aid and Attendance claim
39 KB
Benefits Activation Matrix
XLSXSee which VA benefits each rating tier unlocks and when to activate them
12 KB
C&P Exam Universal Prep
DOCXUniversal C&P exam preparation guide applicable to any condition type
11 KB
C-File Request Guide Tracker
XLSXRequest and track your VA C-File to verify what evidence VA already has
10 KB
Dependents Claim Guide
DOCXFile for additional compensation for dependents at higher rating levels
39 KB
Nexus Letter Builder
DOCXDraft a nexus letter using the three-element framework VA raters look for
39 KB
Post Decision Action Protocol
DOCXProtocol for next steps after receiving any VA rating decision
14 KB
Secondary Claims Builder
DOCXBuild secondary service-connection claims linked to your primary conditions
9 KB
Statements & Letters
3 files
Buddy Statement Builder
DOCXGuide a buddy through writing a lay statement that supports your claim
39 KB
Buddy Statement Kit
DOCXComplete kit for obtaining and formatting buddy statements for your claim
9 KB
Filing & Submission
2 files
Tracking & Monitoring
5 files
Claims Master Tracker
XLSXTrack every claim, rating, effective date, and status in one master spreadsheet
11 KB
Decision Letter Decoder
DOCXBreak down a VA decision letter line by line to find errors and next steps
12 KB
Financial Stabilization Planner
XLSXBuild a year-by-year financial model from separation through year five
8 KB
How to Use This Toolkit
Every file is yours to keep. The Word documents (.docx) are your guides, templates, and letter builders — open them, fill in your information, and use them with your claim. The spreadsheets (.xlsx) are your trackers and calculators — they include real formulas that do the math for you. Save them to your computer and update them as your situation changes.
Related Topics
VA Disability Primer
The First-Time Veteran's Guide to VA Disability Benefits, Service Connection, and Filing Your Claim
VA Secondary Claims Manual
How to Claim VA Disability for Conditions Caused or Aggravated by Your Service-Connected Injuries
The Appeals Playbook
Your Complete Guide to Supplemental Claims, Higher-Level Reviews, and the Board of Veterans' Appeals
Disclaimer: FWD Assist HQ and FWD Assist Publishing provide educational resources only. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice, medical advice, or accredited representation. Always consult with an accredited VA attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Officer for personalized guidance.