VA Claims Roadmap: A Step-by-Step Guide to Filing and Winning Your Disability Claim
Filing a VA disability claim isn’t just paperwork — it’s a fight. The system is slow, confusing, and full of roadblocks by design. But don’t confuse hard with impossible. It is hard. But it’s not impossible — not if you understand how it works and what the VA needs from you. Veterans win claims every day because they keep pushing, keep learning, and don’t back down. That’s why I built HadIt.com nearly 30 years ago — to give veterans the knowledge, support, and straight talk this process rarely offers. This roadmap lays it out, step by step, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Step 1: Decide What Type of Claim You’re Filing
- Original Claim: Your first time filing for a disability.
- Increase Claim: You’re rated too low and need a higher percentage.
- Secondary Claim: A new condition caused by a service-connected one (e.g., sleep apnea caused by PTSD).
- Supplemental Claim: You’ve got new evidence after a denial.
- Appeal: The VA got it wrong, and you’re challenging their decision.
Step 2: Gather Your Evidence
- Service records: Request through National Archives.
- Medical records: Request from VA via MyHealtheVet or Form 10-5345.
- Private medical records: Contact your doctors directly.
- Buddy letters: Statements from those who witnessed your condition or service events.
Step 3: Prove Service Connection
This is the most important part — connecting your condition to your time in service. That’s called the nexus.
To win your claim, you must satisfy the Caluza Triangle:
- A current diagnosis (documented in medical records).
- Evidence of an in-service event or injury.
- A medical nexus connecting the two (often through a C&P exam or private doctor’s opinion).
Step 4: File Your Claim
Use VA Form 21-526EZ or file online at VA.gov. You can also file through a VSO (Veterans Service Organization).
Step 5: VA Evidence Gathering & C&P Exams
The VA will request your records and possibly schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. Make sure you attend. These exams heavily influence your rating.
Timeframe:
Could be weeks or months. The VA is backlogged. Stay on top of your mail and VA.gov messages.
Keep every letter and the envelope it came in. Sometimes the postmark is much later than the letter’s date — that could help you prove the VA didn’t notify you in time, especially if you need to appeal.
If You’re Denied or Underrated
You have appeal options. Learn about Supplemental Claims, Higher-Level Reviews, and Board Appeals in our full guide:
🧾 VA Claims Checklist
- ✅ Know your claim type
- ✅ Request service and medical records
- ✅ Write your personal statement
- ✅ Include buddy letters
- ✅ File on VA.gov or with a VSO
- ✅ Track mail and VA messages
- ✅ Save all VA letters with postmarked envelopes
- ✅ Attend C&P exams
- ✅ Appeal if denied or underrated
🧠 FAQ – VA Disability Claims
Do I need a VSO to file a claim?
No, but many veterans find them helpful. A good VSO can catch mistakes, help gather evidence, and walk you through the process.
How long does a VA claim take?
It varies. Some are decided in a few months. Others take a year or more, especially if you appeal. Backlogs and exam scheduling are common delays.
What if the VA loses my records?
It happens. Keep your own copies of everything. You can also use buddy letters or alternative documentation to support your case.
Can I get back pay?
Yes — if your claim is approved, back pay is owed from the effective date (usually the day you filed). Make sure you keep records of when and how you filed.
How do I write a Buddy Letter?
We’ve got you covered: How to Write a Buddy Letter
Where can I see examples of successful claims?
Check out veteran discussions on our community forum and the BVA Decision Search page at HadIt.com.
💬 Share Your Experience – Ask Your Question – Discuss this Article
Want to see how other veterans are approaching this issue? Read and contribute to the conversation in our community forum:
If this roadmap helped you, pass it on. Share with a buddy, drop your thoughts in the forum, or explore more resources at HadIt.com.
