A free, step-by-step guide to starting your VA disability claim. Learn how to file an Intent to File (ITF), gather VA medical evidence, and work with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) — no jargon, just clear actions you can take today.
We know the process can feel overwhelming. The hold times, the paperwork, the confusing letters—you don't have to figure it out alone. Follow this roadmap step by step, and we'll walk you through exactly what to do.
Starting a VA disability claim can feel confusing. We understand—the hold times, the paperwork, the confusing letters. You don't have to figure it out alone. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, step by step.
Before you can access your VA records, file claims, or track your status, you need a secure login. The VA now uses two trusted identity providers:
The federal government's standard for secure sign-in. Use your existing account or create a new one.
Create AccountAnother VA-approved identity provider. Verify your identity once and use everywhere.
Create AccountPro Tip: Set up both accounts now. Having backup access ensures you never get locked out of your claims.
This is one of the most important steps—and it's completely free. Submitting an Intent to File starts your backpay clock even before you submit your full claim.
If approved, your effective date is set to when you filed the ITF—not when your claim was finally processed. That could mean thousands in backpay.
Once you achieve a rating, the VA has rules that protect it. Understanding these rules is critical to knowing where you stand.
If your condition has been stable for 5+ years, the VA generally cannot reduce your rating unless there's clear evidence of fraud. This "stabilized rating" rule is why routine re-examinations typically stop after year five — the VA considers your condition permanent at that point. Note that this protection applies rating-by-rating, not to your overall combined percentage.
Service connection is protected. The VA cannot sever your service connection unless it's proven you obtained the rating through fraud. This means even if your condition improves to the point of a 0% rating, the service connection itself survives — preserving your eligibility for treatment, ancillary benefits, and the ability to file for an increase later if symptoms worsen.
Your rating cannot be reduced below the lowest rating held during that 20-year period. Even if you improve, you keep your base rating. For example, if you held a 70% rating at any point during the 20 continuous years, the VA can never drop you below 70% — regardless of medical evidence showing full recovery. This is the strongest rating protection in the VA system and is often called "permanent and total" protection.
"If it isn't in black and white, the VA assumes it didn't happen." Your records are the foundation of your claim.
The Evidence and Records page has complete instructions for requesting your C-File, DD-214, Service Treatment Records (STRs), and more.
The VA uses a special math formula to combine ratings. Understanding how it works helps you see exactly where you stand—and how close you are to the next payment tier. This "VA math" is the single most misunderstood part of the claims process: each new rating applies to the remaining non-disabled percentage, not your total. That's why a 50% rating plus another 50% rating equals 75% (rounded to 80%), not 100%.
VA Disability Percentage Explained
A 50% rating plus another 50% doesn't equal 100%—it equals 80%. The VA calculates disability differently than simple addition.
You don't have to fight the VA alone. An accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a free, trained professional who can help you navigate the claims process.
Accredited VSOs have access to the VA's internal "VBMS" system—a view of your claim status that you cannot see on your own. They can check what evidence has been received, what is missing, and where your claim stands in the queue.
Don't navigate the VA alone. Start with Step 1 today and secure your spot in line for the benefits you earned.
Need help? Call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 (Monday–Friday, 8am–9pm ET)
Quick answers about starting your VA disability claim.
Processing times can be frustrating. But every day you wait is a day your benefits are accruing. Keep track of everything, stay organized, and remember—you've got backup available through VSOs and this guide.
Start with Evidence & Records