Getting started
Your First Claim, Start to Finish
A field guide focused on the steps of a first VA disability claim.
$9.99 USD · Digital PDF
Coming soon · Not yet available to purchase
Use the related free resource
VA Field Guides
Each Field Guide walks one task in the VA claims process from start to finish, in plain language, with a clear finish line for every step. Browse featured digital editions or read a free educational overview.
Find the step you are working on
Featured Field Guides
One task at a time. Explore the full library of 89 field guides.
Ten editorial selections, not a bestseller ranking. Digital PDF editions are coming soon. Browse the topics below or use the free resources while you wait.
Getting started
Intent to File, Lock Your Date
A field guide focused on the intent-to-file step in the claims process.
$9.99 USD · Digital PDF
Coming soon · Not yet available to purchase
Use the related free resourceEvidence
Write Your Personal Statement
A field guide focused on writing a personal statement for a VA claim.
$9.99 USD · Digital PDF
Coming soon · Not yet available to purchase
Use the related free resourceEvidence
Get Buddy and Lay Statements
A field guide focused on buddy and lay statements for a VA claim.
$9.99 USD · Digital PDF
Coming soon · Not yet available to purchase
Use the related free resourceEvidence
Get a Nexus Letter
A field guide focused on the task of requesting a nexus letter.
$9.99 USD · Digital PDF
Coming soon · Not yet available to purchase
Use the related free resourceC&P exam prep
Prepare for Your C&P Exam
A field guide focused on preparing for a C&P exam and understanding the exam process.
$9.99 USD · Digital PDF
Coming soon · Not yet available to purchase
Use the related free resourceService connection
Secondary Service Connection
A field guide focused on secondary service connection, not an increase for an existing condition.
$9.99 USD · Digital PDF
Coming soon · Not yet available to purchase
Use the related free resourceDecisions and appeals
Read and Understand Your Decision Letter
A field guide focused on reading a VA decision letter before choosing a next step.
$9.99 USD · Digital PDF
Coming soon · Not yet available to purchase
Use the related free resourceDecisions and appeals
Supplemental Claim
A field guide focused on the supplemental-claim process.
$9.99 USD · Digital PDF
Coming soon · Not yet available to purchase
Use the related free resourceRatings and compensation
Filing for TDIU
A field guide focused on filing for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability.
$9.99 USD · Digital PDF
Coming soon · Not yet available to purchase
Use the related free resourceFree Educational Overviews
The C&P exam overview below is free to read now. It is one part of the broader library, not the entire field-guide collection.
C&P exam prep
Getting ready for the exam the VA uses to evaluate your condition.
Want the complete system?
The flagship VA Claims Manual covers the whole process these Field Guides break into tasks.
Looking for the longer explainer guides? Browse the VA Claims Guides.