Filing a VA disability claim can be a complex and stressful task, especially for first-time filers or veterans seeking increased ratings or secondary conditions. This comprehensive 2025 guide simplifies the process, helping you understand each step from eligibility to evidence gathering, VA disability claim evidence requirements, claim submission, examination preparation, and tracking your claim. With new expansions under the PACT Act and processing updates, this guide ensures you’re prepared to secure the benefits you earned through your service.

Table of Contents

  • What is a VA Disability Claim?
  • Who is Eligible for VA Disability Benefits?
  • How to Apply
  • Common Mistakes to Avoid
  • Decision Outcomes
  • Appeals and Ratings System
  • Tips for a Successful VA Disability Claim
  • How to Get Help
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Get Started

Key Highlights

  • Submitting an Intent to File VA Disability Claim (VA Form 21-0966) locks in your effective date and protects eligibility for retroactive pay.
  • Claims can be original, increased rating, or secondary, each requiring slightly different evidentiary support.
  • Required evidence includes service and medical records, buddy statements, and sometimes nexus letters from medical professionals.
  • Average claim processing times in 2025 range from about 90 to 130 days, depending on claim type and completeness.
  • Veterans have the right to appeal denied claims via several procedural pathways.
  • This guide applies to all U.S. veterans nationwide, without local-specific modifications.

What is a VA Disability Claim?

A VA disability claim is a formal request for tax-free monthly compensation for disabilities or illnesses related to your military service.

Types of VA Disability Claims

Claims fall into three main categories:

  • Original claims: First-time filing for a new service-connected condition.
  • Increased rating claims: Request to raise an existing disability rating due to worsening symptoms.
  • Secondary claims: New disabilities linked to an already service-connected condition.

Recent expansions under the PACT Act include additional presumptive conditions for toxic exposure, making it easier for veterans to qualify in 2025.

Who is Eligible for VA Disability Benefits?

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Active duty service, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.
  • A current diagnosis linked to military service (service connection).
  • Discharge status other than dishonorable.

Veterans applying for increased or secondary claims should focus their evidence on how conditions have worsened or are linked to existing disabilities to meet VA disability claim evidence requirements.

How to Apply

Step 1: Submit Your Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966)

Submitting an Intent to File:

  • Locks in your effective date for retroactive benefits for 1 year.
  • This can be submitted online (VA.gov), by mail, by phone (1-800-827-1000), or in person.

Tip: File your Intent to File as soon as possible—even if you’re still gathering evidence—to preserve your backpay eligibility.

Step 2: Determine Your Claim Type & Review Your Conditions

Before filing, clarify your claim type:

  • Original claim for first-time filing.
  • Increased claim to request higher compensation for worsening conditions.
  • Secondary claim for new disabilities linked to existing service-connected conditions.

Review the updated 2025 PACT Act presumptive conditions to see if your condition qualifies for presumption.

Step 3: Gather Required Evidence

Gather the following to satisfy the VA disability claim evidence requirements:

Military Records

  • DD Form 214 or separation documents
  • Service treatment and personnel records

Medical Evidence

  • VA medical records
  • Private healthcare provider records
  • Current diagnosis and treatment notes

Lay Evidence

  • Buddy statements (VA Form 21-10210): Written by fellow veterans describing in-service events or symptoms
  • Statement in Support of Claim (VA Form 21-4138): A concise written statement by a veteran, family member, or witness providing additional firsthand information about the veteran’s disability, including its connection to service, symptoms, and impact on daily life.

Nexus Letters

  • Medical opinions linking your disability to military service (especially important for non-presumptive or complex claims)

Note: U.S. Courts accept credible lay evidence, including buddy statements, when consistent with medical records.

Step 4: File Your Disability Claim (VA Form 21-526EZ)

Submit your claim with all prepared evidence:

  • Online: VA.gov
  • Mail: Send to VA Evidence Intake Center
  • Fax: 1-844-531-7818
  • In person: At your local VA Regional Office

Tip: Submitting a fully developed claim with all evidence upfront avoids VA disability claim processing time delays.

Step 5: Prepare for and Attend Your C&P Exam

The C&P exam for VA disability claims evaluates the severity of your disability:

  • Bring a detailed symptom log and medical records.
  • Be honest and specific about your limitations and daily struggles.
  • You may bring a spouse, family member, or friend for support.

Example description: “I cannot stand more than 10 minutes without severe pain, requiring frequent breaks.”

Step 6: Track Your Claim and Await Decision

Make sure to stay engaged by:

  • Monitor your claim status online at VA.gov or via the VA hotline.
  • Respond promptly to any VA requests for additional evidence or appointments.
  • Keep copies of all correspondence and documents submitted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Missing the one-year deadline after submitting your Intent to File.
  • Submitting incomplete or outdated medical evidence.
  • Skipping the C&P exam.
  • Not clearly establishing how the disability connects to your service.
  • Undervaluing how your condition affects your daily life.

Decision Outcomes

First, let’s start with a list of possible outcomes:

  • Granted: Disability rating assigned; monthly compensation begins retroactive to the effective date.
  • Denied: Options include filing a Supplemental Claim, requesting a Higher-Level Review, or appealing to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
  • Deferred: VA may require more evidence or information.

Appeals and VA Disability Ratings System

Appeal Options for Denied Claims

The VA’s Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) gives you three main ways to appeal a denied claim or a rating you believe is too low:

  • Higher-Level Review: Ask for a fresh review by a more senior claims adjudicator based on the evidence already on file. This route is best if you think there was an error or something was missed.
  • Supplemental Claim: Submit new and relevant evidence (such as new doctors’ opinions, buddy statements, or documentation) that was not included in your original claim. Ideal if you have new support for your case.
  • Board of Veterans’ Appeals: Request a review by a Veterans Law Judge, with the option to submit evidence, request a hearing, or let them decide based on the file.

Tip: File your appeal within one year of your decision letter.

VA Disability Ratings

  • Ratings range from 0% to 100%, in 10% increments, based on how much your condition impairs your ability to function.
  • If you have multiple disabilities, the VA uses a combined ratings table (“whole person rule”).
  • The higher your disability rating, the greater your monthly compensation. Dependents can further increase payment amounts.
  • If your service-connected condition worsens, file an increased rating claim.
  • If you develop a secondary condition (e.g., depression linked to chronic pain), file a secondary claim with evidence tying the new diagnosis to your existing disability.

Tips for a Successful VA Disability Claim

Tip 1: Engage a VSO or accredited representative for free expert guidance.

Tip 2: Submit all evidence upfront as part of a Fully Developed Claim.

Tip 3: Keep thorough records of every submission and correspondence.

Tip 4: Be patient but persistent; appeals are common and often necessary.

Additional Assistance

Look for additional assistance from accredited Veterans Service Organizations or VA-accredited attorneys to improve your claim experience and chances of success. Always verify claim procedures and policies through official sources like VA.gov or trusted accredited representatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When can I submit a buddy statement for a VA disability claim?

You can submit a buddy statement at any point, including with your initial application or as new evidence during an appeal. Including buddy statements early can strengthen your case.

How long does the VA take to process a disability claim in 2025?

Processing times vary, but on average, here’s what to expect:

  • Fully Developed Claims: about 90 to 100 days average
  • Standard Claims: roughly 125 to 136 days average
  • Supplemental Claims: about 92 days average
  • Higher-Level Reviews: about 140 days average
  • Board Appeals: typically much longer, often 1-2 years or more

What is a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for VA claims?

A C&P exam is a medical appointment scheduled by the VA to evaluate the severity and impact of your service-connected condition on your daily life. The exam influences both approval and the assigned rating.

What are presumptive conditions under the PACT Act?

Presumptive conditions are diseases or disabilities that, under the law (including the PACT Act), the VA automatically assumes are connected to your military service based on your deployment location or exposure history. Veterans diagnosed with these often do not have to prove direct causation.

How do I file an increased VA disability claim?

Submit VA Form 21-526EZ and new medical, personal, or lay evidence showing your condition has worsened (e.g., new test results, increased limitations, updated doctor’s reports).

Can I file a secondary claim for PTSD?

Yes. If PTSD (or another condition) was caused by a service-connected disability (such as a physical injury leading to depression or PTSD), file a secondary claim. Include medical statements showing the link, along with your claim form.

Speak to a VA Disability Attorney Today

File your Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) today at VA.gov or contact Injured Veterans for a free, no obligation consultation and expert support as you go through the claims process.

References:

https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/

https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/

https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/evidence-needed/

https://veteransguide.org/toxic-exposure/presumptive-conditions-list/

https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/evidence-needed/fully-developed-claims/

https://www.va.gov/resources/va-claim-exam/