An interactive guide to your saved claim
See what goes into your claim preparation.
Seven steps, in a suggested order. Every step stays available, and you do not have to complete every task. Each task is done in an existing RateMyVSO tool; this guide explains what it is for and how to use it.
Getting started
Start with the kind of preparation you need. You can use the guide even if some work is already done.
- Prepare a claim for a condition. Identify the condition and its connection to service.
- Prepare for an increase. Changes, symptoms, treatment and daily limits.
- Prepare a supplemental claim. Organize the decision, disputed issues and evidence.
Conditions
Make sure each condition is named clearly and that saved work connects to the right condition.
- Review the conditions on this claim. Names, body locations and Direct/Secondary relationships.
- Consider how it relates to service. Explore possible paths and record what needs clarification.
Codes & diagnoses
Record the words and codes in your medical files, and keep enough source information to find them again.
- Record a diagnosis or finding. Keep the exact wording, document, page and date.
- Look up medical codes. Medical code → VA code, or condition → ICD-10.
- Scan records and import chosen findings. Find entries, check their sources, keep what you choose.
Evidence & records
Bring together your records, statements and personal notes. Explain how the condition affects work and everyday life, in your own words.
- Record a finding. Save an exact entry and where you found it.
- Track a records request. What you need, who has it, and what arrived.
- Add a date. Keep important events and follow-ups visible.
- Save a reference case. Keep useful research and the question it raises.
- Explore Functional Impacts. See how conditions can affect work and daily life.
- Write an impact statement. Explain what the condition changes in your life.
- Write a statement. Describe what you personally know or experience.
- Upload statements. Connect a statement you already have.
- Connect saved worksheets. Bring relevant saved preparation into this claim.
- Add a medication. Record what you take and the condition it relates to.
- Add a status. Describe the condition’s current situation.
- Add a surgery. Keep the procedure, date and location together.
DBQs & exam preparation
Learn what the relevant forms cover, then use your saved information to prepare notes in your own words.
- Review the relevant DBQs. See what topics the form asks about.
- Bring saved work into exam notes. Choose relevant findings, worksheets and personal details.
- Review and make an Exam Prep copy. Include the everyday effects you want to explain.
Review your preparation
Use this section throughout your preparation and again before making a copy. It helps you notice what needs attention.
- Use the Claim File Readiness Check. Walk through what is present and what is still blank.
- Check findings against their records. Confirm wording, source locations and connections.
- Review your impact statements. Make sure your everyday experience comes through.
- Review the checklist and open questions. Keep completed work and remaining questions in view.
Build your copy
Make a copy that is useful for your next conversation or your own review. You decide what belongs in it.
- Choose and review your packet. Bring selected saved material together.
- Prepare a VSO copy. Bring relevant work to accredited help.
- Include your separate Exam Prep copy. Get the notes that are not part of the claim packet.
A guide to using your preparation tools. It does not file a claim, decide eligibility, or predict an outcome. Your saved work is in My Preparation.