How VA claims work, end-to-end
Read the seven paths to service connection, see what evidence wins, and learn what happens after you file.
- Start the guided path: pick your body area Open the body-area map to walk a claim end to end.
- Seven paths to service connection Read the seven legal pathways VA uses to grant claims.
- How to establish service connection The legal standards and evidence types that prove a condition is service-connected.
- Secondary conditions (pathways + map) See how one condition can link to another as a secondary.
- VA's duty to assist What VA is required to do to develop your claim.
- Priority processing Who qualifies for a faster VA decision.
- VA disability is earned, not charity Frame your claim correctly from the start.
- 10 common claim mistakes The avoidable mistakes that stall most VA claims.
- Inside your claim file See what VA actually reviews in your C-file.
- Presumption of soundness Why you are presumed healthy at entry and the bar VA must clear to say a condition pre-existed service.
- Corporate flashes and special issues What the internal flags and priority indicators on your claim mean.
- How VA decides How VA weighs evidence and applies the rating schedule.
- How VA weighs medical opinions How raters resolve dueling medical opinions.
- VA supporting forms Which VA form fits which purpose.
- Filing guide How to file a new claim, what forms, what evidence.
- Nexus letters What a strong nexus letter looks like and how to ask for one.
- Find a VSO rep Search accredited representatives by state or near you.
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