Start Here: Find Your Path
Pick the situation that matches where you are. We will point you to the right resources — no runaround, no upsell ladder.
I Have Not Filed Yet
First-time filer or transitioning out of service
You have conditions connected to your service but have not submitted anything to the VA. Maybe you are still active duty, maybe you separated years ago and never got around to it. Either way, the process is the same: establish service connection, gather evidence, and file.
What To Do
- 1Get your service treatment records and any private medical records that document your conditions.
- 2Identify every condition you plan to claim, including secondary conditions that stem from a primary disability.
- 3File a BDD claim if you are 90 to 180 days from separation. If you are already out, file a standard claim on VA.gov.
- 4Do not rely on the C&P examiner to connect dots for you. Build your own evidence package before the exam.
My Claim Was Denied
You got a decision letter and the answer was no
A denial is not the end. The VA denies claims for specific reasons, and each reason has a specific counter. The most common: insufficient evidence of a current diagnosis, no nexus between your condition and service, or a bad C&P exam. You have three appeal lanes available.
What To Do
- 1Read your decision letter word for word. The stated reason for denial tells you exactly what evidence was missing.
- 2Choose your appeal lane: Supplemental Claim (new evidence), Higher-Level Review (same evidence, different reviewer), or Board Appeal.
- 3A Supplemental Claim with a strong nexus letter from a private provider is the fastest path for most veterans.
- 4Do not file the same claim again with no new evidence. The VA will deny it again.
My Rating Is Too Low
Service-connected but underrated
You have a disability rating, but it does not reflect your actual level of impairment. This is common. The VA rates based on specific criteria in 38 CFR Part 4, and if your medical evidence does not match the language the VA uses, you get a lower rating than you deserve.
What To Do
- 1Pull your rating decision and compare it against the 38 CFR rating criteria for your condition.
- 2Identify secondary conditions. A 30% knee rating might also support a secondary hip or back claim.
- 3Get a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) filled out by a private provider who documents the severity the VA criteria require.
- 4File for an increase with the new evidence. If the VA lowballs the C&P exam, request a review.
I Need a VSO, Agent, or Attorney
You want professional help with your claim
Not everyone needs representation, but if your situation is complex, contested, or you have been denied multiple times, having someone in your corner can make the difference. The key is knowing the difference between a VSO, a claims agent, and an attorney, and knowing which one fits your situation.
What To Do
- 1A VSO (Veterans Service Organization) is free and works for you as an advocate. Good for straightforward claims.
- 2A claims agent is accredited by the VA and can charge fees. Useful for complex claims with multiple conditions.
- 3An attorney is typically the right call if you are heading to the Board of Veterans Appeals or have a CUE claim.
- 4Avoid any company that charges thousands upfront before your claim is even filed. That is a red flag.
Not Sure Where You Fit?
The blog covers the full range of VA claims topics. Or check the 2026 pay rates to see what your rating is worth.