⚡ Quick Eligibility Check
| Requirement | You qualify if… | How to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Military service | Active duty, National Guard, or Reserve | DD-214 (Certificate of Release) |
| Service connection | At least 1 condition linked to military service | Service records, medical nexus letter |
| Current disability | Ongoing, diagnosable condition (not fully resolved) | VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam |
| Discharge character | Honorable, General (Under Honorable), or OTH in some cases | DD-214 Box 24 |
| No disqualifying offense | No statutory bar offenses (e.g., desertion, AWOL >180 days) | Character of discharge review if needed |
Step-by-Step Application Process
Obtain your DD-214
Your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is the foundation of your claim. Request it through the National Archives eVetRecs system at archives.gov/veterans. Active Guard or Reserve veterans need their NGB-22 or DD-214 from their component.
Identify your service-connected conditions
List every physical and mental health condition you believe is connected to your service. Include conditions caused by in-service events (direct service connection), aggravated by service (aggravation), or related to another service-connected condition (secondary service connection). Don't self-screen — the VA decides eligibility, not you.
Gather your service treatment records (STRs)
Request your service treatment records from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis. These records document in-service medical events and are critical to establishing nexus (connection between your condition and service). The VA will also request STRs on your behalf, but having them yourself speeds the process.
Get a current diagnosis and nexus letter
The VA requires a current diagnosis of each condition you're claiming. A nexus letter from a private physician — explicitly stating 'at least as likely as not' that your condition is related to service — is the single most powerful piece of evidence you can submit. VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) examiners sometimes underrate conditions; a strong nexus letter counters weak C&P exams.
File VA Form 21-526EZ online or through a VSO
Submit your claim at VA.gov/disability or through a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) at no cost. Filing online creates a date-stamped claim that establishes your effective date. Alternatively, file an Intent to File (ITF) immediately to lock in your effective date while you gather evidence — you have up to one year from the ITF date to complete and submit your claim.
Attend your Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam
The VA will schedule a C&P exam with a contracted examiner (QTC, LHI, VES, or VA) to evaluate your claimed conditions. Show up and bring your medications, imaging results, and any buddy statements. Describe your WORST days — not your average days. The C&P examiner's findings heavily influence your rating decision.
Review your rating decision and appeal if necessary
You'll receive a Rating Decision letter by mail (and digitally via VA.gov). Review it carefully — check for denied conditions, lower-than-expected ratings, and effective date accuracy. If you disagree, you have three appeal options: Supplemental Claim (new and relevant evidence), Higher-Level Review (senior rater review), or Board of Veterans' Appeals (formal hearing).
Set up direct deposit and verify recurring benefits
Once approved, set up direct deposit through VA.gov/change-direct-deposit or call 1-800-827-1000. Payments are deposited on the first business day of each month. Verify that all secondary benefits (VA healthcare enrollment, property tax exemption, etc.) are triggered by your new rating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Only claiming one or two conditions — claim everything related to service
- Missing the C&P exam — this typically results in a denial for that condition
- Describing your 'best days' at the C&P exam instead of your typical or worst days
- Not filing an Intent to File before gathering evidence — losing months of retroactive pay
- Accepting the first rating decision without scrutinizing it for errors
Pro Tips from Veterans Advocates
- File an Intent to File (ITF) today — it costs nothing and locks in your effective date
- Work with an accredited VSO (American Legion, DAV, VFW) or VA-accredited attorney at no cost
- Secondary service connection can dramatically increase your rating — claim it
- Keep a daily journal of how your conditions affect your life — it's powerful evidence
Securely Store Your Records in the Benefit Bunker
Benefit Bunker is a Progressive Web App (PWA) — install it on your phone or computer for offline access. Store your DD-214, rating decision letters, and VA correspondence directly in your Bunker. Available at your VA appointment even without Wi-Fi.
Add to Home Screen — Free, No Account →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a VA disability claim while still on active duty?
Yes — you can file up to 180 days before your separation date through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. BDD claims typically receive decisions within 30 days of separation. This is the fastest path to rating activation and should be used by every separating service member.
How far back does the VA pay retroactive compensation?
The VA pays retroactive compensation back to your effective date — which is typically the date your claim was received (or the Intent to File date, whichever is earlier). For conditions with a long onset, you may also request an earlier effective date based on when the condition first manifested in service. Retroactive pay can amount to thousands of dollars.
Does getting a higher VA rating affect my Social Security Disability?
VA disability compensation and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are separate programs with different standards. You can receive both simultaneously. However, TDIU (Individual Unemployability) can interact with SSDI — if you're receiving SSDI, it strengthens your TDIU claim but doesn't automatically grant it. Consult a VA-accredited attorney if you're pursuing both.