Recently separated, never filed

See the seven paths to service connection, what evidence wins, and how to file your first claim.

  1. Seven paths Read the seven legal pathways to service connection.
  2. Filing guide How to file a new claim, what forms, what evidence.
  3. Claim types Original, FDC, Standard, Increase, Secondary, Supplemental, and 4 more.
  4. Claim stages The 8 internal VA workflow stages and the 5-step tracker mapping.
  5. Service records How to request and read your service records.
  6. Correcting military records NPRC, DRB, BCMR, PDBR, DARB. The five-board map for discharge upgrades and record fixes.
  7. Rating decision Narrative + codesheet anatomy. Spot miscoded ratings.
  8. Nexus letters What a strong nexus letter looks like and how to ask for one.
  9. Buddy statements How buddy statements work and when they count.
  10. Find a VSO rep Search accredited representatives by state or near you.

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RateMyVSO is encyclopedic. Cards link to research and tools. Not legal advice.