Understand your VA disability claim, and get your evidence in order.
A strong claim is not luck. It comes down to three things the VA looks for: a current diagnosis, something that happened in service, and a medical link between them. We help you learn the process in plain English and organize your own evidence, one step at a time.
Three elements decide a service-connected claim. Most denials are missing one.
The VA is not weighing whose story is hardest. It is checking for three specific things, and whether your evidence ties them together. Here is what each one means, and where the proof actually comes from.
A current diagnosis
A provider has to document the condition today. A symptom that was never examined is hard to rate, so the first job is getting the diagnosis on paper, from the VA or a private doctor.
An in-service event or exposure
The injury, illness, event, or exposure that happened while you served. This is where your DD214, service treatment records, and buddy statements do the work of showing what you went through.
A medical nexus
The opinion that ties the two together: that your current condition is at least as likely as not related to your service. This is the piece claims most often leave out.
One organizer, built around your conditions, your service, and what you already have.
Answer a short set of questions about your claim stage, the conditions you are claiming, and the records on hand. The organizer assembles the checklist, worksheets, and templates for your exact situation, so you can file a complete, well-ordered packet instead of guessing at what to include.
- Claim stagefirst · increase · new condition · after denial
- Conditionsmusculoskeletal · mental health · hearing · more
- Formatchecklist + fillable worksheets + templates
- Deliveryinstant, right after checkout
Every document in its place, every worksheet ready to fill.
The organizer walks the same evidence a VA reviewer looks for, condition by condition, so nothing important is missing on the day you file.
Straight with you, from the first screen to checkout.
We never promise a rating, a percentage, approval, or back pay. No honest resource can. We help you prepare your evidence well; the decision is always the VA's.
Every checklist and worksheet points back to the real process: the three elements of service connection and the VA rating schedule, not shortcuts or guesses.
VetClaimGuide is an independent self-help resource. We are not the VA, a law firm, or a VSO. For free representation, an accredited VSO can file right alongside you.
Every organizer is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. VetClaimGuide is a new resource, so we do not show customer reviews, star ratings, or success rates. The cards above describe how the organizer is built, not testimonials.
Wherever you are in the process.
First-time filers
Starting your first claim and wanting to do it right the first time.
Filing for an increase
A condition that has worsened and needs current evidence to show it.
Adding a condition
A new or secondary condition to document alongside what you already have.
After a denial
Regrouping after a denial and organizing stronger evidence for a supplemental claim.
No honest resource can tell you what percentage you will get, whether you will be approved, or how much back pay you will see. Anyone who guarantees a number is either guessing or selling something. What we can do is help you understand the process and organize your evidence so your claim speaks clearly for itself.
VetClaimGuide is an independent self-help resource for document preparation. We are not the Department of Veterans Affairs, a law firm, or an accredited representative, and we do not file claims for you or give legal advice.
The VFW, DAV, and the American Legion have accredited representatives who help you file at no cost.
The official source for forms, claim status, and the current process. Start at va.gov/disability.
Accredited representation is free. You never have to hand over a share of your benefits to get help filing.
Four tools that help you see where you stand today.
Free Claim Screener
A few questions to map which claims may fit your situation.
Combined Rating Calculator
Combine multiple condition ratings using official VA math.
Nexus Letter Template
A fill-in-the-blank template to bring to your doctor for review.
Buddy Statement Builder
Guided prompts for a lay statement from someone who was there.
Start free. Build when you are ready.
Take the free screener to see which claims may fit, or build the full evidence organizer for $49, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. No card needed to use the free tools.