A free, step-by-step guide to claiming your VA benefits and 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. After 5 years, a stable rating cannot be reduced without sustained evidence of improvement. After 10 years, your service connection itself becomes protected from severance. After 20 years, your rating is locked and cannot be reduced below the lowest level you held during that period.
See the full breakdown of protected ratings on our Health Hub"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. Your claim's success starts with gathering the right evidence.
The VA doesn't add ratings — it combines them using the "whole person" concept, applying each new rating to your remaining non-disabled percentage, not your total. That's why a 50% rating plus another 50% rating equals 80%, not 100%.
See the full VA Math DecoderYou 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