How to File a VA Disability Claim — Step-by-Step Guide & C&P Exam Prep
This guide walks you through 11 types of VA disability claims with step-by-step filing instructions, required forms, and what to expect at each stage. It also includes a comprehensive C&P Exam Prep Guide covering what to expect, how to prepare, contractor phone numbers (VES, QTC, LHI), and what veterans wish they had known before their exam.
Types of VA Disability Claims
The VA recognizes several claim types: Direct Service Connection (condition caused by service), Presumptive Service Connection (PACT Act, Agent Orange, Gulf War, radiation), Secondary Service Connection (condition caused by an existing service-connected disability), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), Claim for Increase (condition has worsened), Supplemental Claim (new evidence after denial), Higher-Level Review (HLR), Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA), and Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) for active duty members within 180-90 days of separation.
C&P Exam: What to Expect
The Compensation and Pension exam is a medical evaluation ordered by the VA, typically conducted by a contracted examiner from VES (1-877-637-8387), QTC (1-800-682-9701), or LHI (1-800-437-0833). It is not a treatment appointment — it assesses the current severity of your condition and its connection to service. Describe your symptoms on your worst day. Do not minimize. You can request a specific gender examiner.
VA Travel Reimbursement for C&P Exams
The VA reimburses eligible veterans $0.415 per mile for travel to C&P exams. Parking and tolls are also reimbursable — keep your receipts. The $6 round-trip deductible is waived for C&P exam travel. File within 30 days via BTSSS at VA.gov.
Nexus Letters & DBQ Evidence Prep
A nexus letter is a medical opinion stating your condition is "at least as likely as not" connected to military service. It is often the most critical piece of evidence in a VA disability claim. Any licensed medical provider can write one. This guide includes a conversation script for asking your doctor, the exact language the VA requires, condition-specific evidence checklists (PTSD, back, knee, sleep apnea, tinnitus, secondary conditions), common DBQ form numbers, and the most common mistakes that get claims denied. For condition-specific nexus theories, evidence checklists, and a sample nexus letter template, see the Nexus & Service Connection Guide.
How to File a VA Disability Claim
Step-by-step guide for every claim type — with interactive evidence checklists
For informational purposes only — not financial, legal, medical, or VA advice. Page 214 is an independent resource and not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Verify benefits with an accredited VSO or qualified professional.
Last updated May 1, 2026 · AMA / Pub. L. 115-55 · ITF · VA Form 21-526EZ
This guide was built by Em, a retired U.S. Navy Commander (Medical Service Corps, 20+ years). Page 214 is free, privacy-first, and entirely client-side. Authority for the claim-filing framework: 38 U.S.C. Chapter 51 (claim adjudication procedures); 38 C.F.R. § 3.155 (Intent to File rule preserving effective date for one year); 38 C.F.R. § 3.303 (principles of service connection); 38 C.F.R. § 3.304 (direct service connection — including the relaxed MST evidence rules at § 3.304(f)(5)); 38 C.F.R. § 3.306 (aggravation); 38 C.F.R. § 3.310 (secondary service connection); 38 C.F.R. §§ 4.1–4.31 and the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) at 38 C.F.R. Part 4. The AMA framework was established by the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 (Pub. L. 115-55), effective Feb 19, 2019 — replacing the legacy appeals system with three lanes: Supplemental Claim (38 C.F.R. § 3.2501), Higher-Level Review (38 C.F.R. § 3.2601), and Board Appeal (VA Form 10182, 38 U.S.C. § 7105). C&P exam standards at 38 C.F.R. § 3.326. Travel reimbursement under the Beneficiary Travel program (38 C.F.R. § 70.10 – current 2026 rate $0.415/mi). Major presumptive frameworks: PACT Act of 2022 (Pub. L. 117-168), Agent Orange Act of 1991 (Pub. L. 102-4), and 38 C.F.R. § 3.317 (Gulf War undiagnosed illnesses, deadline Dec 31, 2026). The "benefit of the doubt" doctrine at 38 U.S.C. § 5107(b) requires the VA to resolve close calls in the claimant’s favor. This is an educational reference, not personalized legal or medical advice — every claim turns on individual circumstances. Always file with a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.
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