Reserves and Guard

A guided path tuned for Guard and Reserve service: settle your active-duty-status periods first, then build and file. Work top to bottom.

Before you file

1 How VA claims workorient yourself first

Guard & Reserve service AD vs ACDUTRA vs INACDUTRA, veteran status, Title 10 vs Title 32.
Combat service & claims What the 38 USC 1154(b) combat presumption does, and does not, do.

More: How VA decides Seven paths to service connection

2 Pull your records first

Service records How to request and read your service records.

More: Correcting military records

3 Your filing window

Chronic-disease presumption The 90-day rule and time-since-separation windows that often exclude Guard / Reserve service.

More: Claim stages

4 Find your condition

Find your condition (body-area map) Open the guided body-area picker to find your condition and its codes.

5 Build your evidencethe heart of the claim

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

Prepare for the C&P exam What to expect and how to document your symptoms.

7 Track your claim

Claim stages The 8 internal stages and the VA.gov tracker.

Anytime, get accredited help

8 Find accredited helpall VA-accredited

9 If your situation differs

More: New claim by body system Browse DC codes

Restart the wizard

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