File a claim for Endocrine (diabetes, thyroid) conditions

A guided path from "where do I start" to filed, and ready for what comes next. Work top to bottom; the steps after "file" happen while you wait.

Before you file

1 Start here: how a claim worksorient yourself

How the VA decides your claim The mental model. Read this first so the rest makes sense.
Service connection: the 3 elements Diagnosis + in-service event + nexus. Everything else supports these.

More: 7 Paths to Service Connection

2 Choose your claim type

More: Standard Claim Benefits Delivery at Discharge Combat Service & Claims Guard & Reserve Service Presumption of Soundness Conditions VA Won't Rate

3 Find your condition and its codes

More: Diabetes claims guide Agent Orange presumptive Hypothyroidism claims guide VA.gov Filing Terms

4 Build your evidencethe heart of the claim

More: Missing Records Guide VA Supporting Forms Functional Impact Library Painful Motion & DeLuca Ask Your Doctor for a Nexus Nexus Sample Structure Where Nexus Letters Come From Nexus letter guide

5 Final check, then file

More: Priority Processing (if eligible)

📨 File your claim on VA.gov (Form 21-526EZ)

Or have your representative file it for you. This is the moment the clock starts.

After you file, while you wait

6 Track your claim

More: Inside Your VA Claim Duty to Assist (what VA must do)

7 Your C&P examVA schedules this; prep when you get the letter

More: Which DBQ the Examiner Uses VA ACE Exam (records-only)

Anytime, get accredited help

8 Find accredited helpall VA-accredited

9 If your situation differs

More: Presumptive Conditions Checker Camp Lejeune presumptive Secondary Claim Secondary conditions (pathways + map) 1151 Claim (injury from VA care) Correcting Military Records

Restart the wizard

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