Common VA Disability Claim Questions & Answers

How to File a VA Disability Claim

Filing starts at VA.gov. You can file online, by mail, or in person. Filing online is fastest. You’ll need your DD-214, medical records, and any supporting evidence.

What is an Intent to File?

An Intent to File form saves your effective date while you gather evidence. You have one year from submitting it to complete your claim.

What is a Fully Developed Claim (FDC)?

The FDC program lets you submit all evidence up front for a faster decision.

What Evidence Does the VA Need?

  • DD-214 or separation papers
  • Service treatment records
  • Private medical records
  • Buddy letters from people who know about your condition

What is a C&P Exam?

The Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam helps the VA confirm your condition. Bring documentation, be honest, and describe symptoms clearly.

Top 10 Most Common VA Disability Claims

  1. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  2. Hearing loss
  3. PTSD
  4. Scars
  5. Limitation of motion of the knee
  6. Lumbosacral or cervical strain
  7. Paralysis of the sciatic nerve
  8. Limitation of motion of the arm
  9. Migraine headaches
  10. Sleep apnea

See the full list and explanations.

What Are Secondary VA Disability Claims?

These are conditions caused or worsened by another service-connected disability. Examples:

  • Sleep apnea secondary to PTSD
  • Migraines secondary to traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Learn more about secondary claims here.

Understanding VA Terms

  • Nexus: Medical link between service and disability
  • TDIU: Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability
  • Effective Date: The date from which your benefits are calculated
  • Buddy Letter: Statement from a witness or peer about your condition

See a full VA benefits glossary.

What to Do If Your VA Claim Is Denied

You can appeal through:

How to Check Your VA Claim Status

Log in to VA.gov Claim Status to track progress, see decisions, and view evidence requests.

Avoid VA Benefits Scams

The VA will never charge you to file a claim. Accredited VSOs provide help for free. Learn more about avoiding scams from the FTC warning.

Need Free Help Filing a VA Claim?

Contact VA Helper, Inc. — We’re here to help veterans navigate the claims process at no cost.

FAQs - VA Helper

Frequently Asked Questions

Your guide to understanding VA Helper benefits, services, and veteran resources

General

What is VA Helper? +
VA Helper is the official website and landing zone for VA Helper, Inc., a soon to be nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting veterans with their VA claims, providing tips, resources, and general guidance for navigating veteran benefits. We aim to simplify the process and connect veterans with the tools and support they deserve.
Is VA Helper affiliated with the VA? +
No. VA Helper, Inc. is on the way to become an independent nonprofit organization and is not directly affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. However, we provide information and guidance to help veterans work with the VA effectively.
Is there a cost to use VA Helper? +
No. Every single service, resource, and piece of guidance provided by VA Helper, Inc. is completely free to veterans and their families. We never charge — our mission is to serve those who served, with zero cost or obligation.

Eligibility

Who qualifies for VA benefits? +
Eligibility depends on service history, discharge status, and the type of benefit. Most veterans who served active duty and received an honorable or general discharge may qualify. Some programs are also open to Reserve and National Guard members.
Do National Guard or Reserve members qualify? +
Yes, in some cases. Eligibility is often based on periods of federal activation, length of service, and the specific benefit applied for.
Can family members access benefits? +
Yes. Certain VA benefits extend to dependents, spouses, and survivors, such as education programs (Chapter 35), healthcare coverage, and survivor pensions.

Application Process

How do I apply for VA benefits? +
You can apply online at VA.gov, in person at a VA regional office, or through an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or nonprofit like VA Helper, Inc.
What documents will I need? +
Common documents include your DD-214 or discharge papers, medical records, proof of income, and any supporting evidence for your claim.
How long does the process take? +
Processing times vary, but most claims take between 1–3 months. More complex claims or appeals can take longer.

Common Issues

My claim was denied. What can I do? +
You have several appeal options: submit a Supplemental Claim with new evidence, request a Higher-Level Review, or appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. VA Helper, Inc. can guide you through each step.
I can’t log in to VA.gov. How do I fix it? +
Use the “Forgot Password” option or reset your login through ID.me or DS Logon. If you’re still locked out, call VA technical support at 1-800-698-2411.
The VA lost my paperwork. What should I do? +
Resubmit your documents immediately and keep copies of everything you send. Send important documents via certified mail or upload them directly to your VA.gov account to ensure proof of receipt.

Benefits

What benefits are available? +
VA benefits include disability compensation, pensions, healthcare, home loans, education (GI Bill), burial benefits, and more. VA Helper, Inc. can help determine which benefits you may qualify for.
Can I receive more than one benefit at once? +
Yes. Many veterans receive multiple benefits simultaneously, such as healthcare, disability pay, and education assistance.

Veterans Terms & Definitions

What is a "nexus"? +
A "nexus" is a medical link between your current disability and your military service. To be granted service connection, you usually need medical evidence stating it is "at least as likely as not" related to your service.
What does "service-connected" mean? +
"Service-connected" means the VA has determined your disability or condition was caused or worsened by your military service. This status is required for most disability compensation.
What is a C&P exam? +
A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is a medical evaluation requested by the VA to assess your disability and determine if it’s related to service. The results help decide your VA rating.
What is a VA rating? +
Your VA rating is a percentage assigned to your service-connected disability. It reflects the severity of your condition and determines your monthly compensation.
What is an "effective date"? +
The effective date is the date from which your VA benefits will be paid. Usually, it’s the date the VA received your claim or the date you became eligible — whichever is later.