Claim Strategies
Rating increase strategies, secondary conditions, presumptive conditions, TDIU, and combined ratings math.
100 articles in this topic
How to Get a VA Rating Increase: Proven Strategies
Strategies for increasing your current VA disability rating with new evidence.
Secondary Condition Claim Strategy
How to identify and claim secondary conditions to maximize your rating.
Using Presumptive Conditions to Strengthen Your Claim
How presumptive service connection simplifies evidence requirements.
TDIU Strategy: Getting 100% Pay
How to build a strong TDIU claim when your combined rating is under 100%.
Combined Rating Optimization: Maximize Your VA Math
Strategic approaches to filing claims that maximize your combined rating.
PTSD Rating Increase Strategy: From 50% to 70% or Higher
How to document worsening PTSD symptoms for a higher rating.
Back Pain Secondary Conditions: Build Your Claim Pyramid
Secondary conditions commonly linked to service-connected back disabilities.
Knee Condition Secondary Claims Strategy
Conditions secondary to knee disabilities including hip, back, and gait issues.
Sleep Apnea as a Secondary Condition Strategy
How to link sleep apnea to PTSD, weight gain, or other service-connected conditions.
Migraines as a Secondary Condition
Linking migraines to TBI, PTSD, neck conditions, or medications.
Mental Health Secondary Conditions Strategy
Physical conditions secondary to PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Diabetes Secondary Condition Pyramid
The 10+ conditions commonly secondary to service-connected diabetes.
TBI Secondary Conditions: Building Your Claim
Conditions that develop secondary to traumatic brain injury.
GERD as a Secondary Condition Strategy
Linking GERD to PTSD medications, anxiety, or other conditions.
Bilateral Claim Strategy: Using Both Sides
How to claim bilateral conditions to get the bilateral factor boost.
Filing Your First VA Claim: Complete Roadmap
Step-by-step strategy for veterans who have never filed a claim.
Denied Claim Comeback Strategy
How to rebuild and win a previously denied VA disability claim.
How to Reach 100% VA Disability Rating
Strategic approaches to building toward a total disability rating.
Supplemental Claim Strategy: New and Relevant Evidence
How to win a supplemental claim with the right new evidence.
Higher-Level Review Strategy: Win Without New Evidence
When and how to request an HLR for the best chance of success.
Defending Against a VA Rating Reduction
How to protect your current rating when the VA proposes a decrease.
Effective Date Strategy: Maximize Back Pay
How to get the earliest possible effective date on your claim.
C&P Exam Strategy: Present Your Worst Day
How to accurately represent your condition at a C&P exam.
Nexus Letter Strategy: Getting the Right Medical Opinion
How to get a nexus letter that meets VA evidentiary standards.
Buddy Letter Strategy: Powerful Lay Evidence
How to structure buddy letters for maximum impact on your claim.
Personal Statement Strategy for VA Claims
How to write a personal statement that supports your service connection.
TDIU with a Single Disability at 60% or Higher
How to file schedular TDIU with one service-connected condition.
TDIU with Combined Rating of 70%
Filing TDIU when you have multiple conditions combining to 70%.
Extraschedular Rating Strategy
When and how to pursue an extraschedular rating for unusual cases.
Deferred Claim Strategy: What to Do While Waiting
How to strengthen your case while a deferred claim is pending.
Ancillary Benefits: SMC, A&A, Housebound
How to claim additional benefits beyond standard compensation.
Agent Orange Claim Strategy for Vietnam Veterans
Maximizing claims using Agent Orange presumptive conditions.
Burn Pit Claim Strategy Under PACT Act
How to leverage PACT Act presumptives for burn pit exposure claims.
Gulf War Illness Claim Strategy
Filing for undiagnosed and medically unexplained chronic conditions.
Camp Lejeune Contamination Claim Strategy
Maximizing benefits from Camp Lejeune water contamination exposure.
Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Combined Strategy
Filing hearing loss and tinnitus together for maximum rating.
Mental Health Plus Physical: Combined Claim Strategy
How mental health and physical conditions work together in claims.
Musculoskeletal Claim Strategy: Joints, Spine, Muscles
Building a comprehensive claim for multiple musculoskeletal conditions.
Respiratory Condition Claim Strategy
PFT requirements and evidence strategies for lung condition claims.
Heart Condition Claim Strategy
METs testing, evidence needs, and secondary conditions for heart claims.
Skin Condition Claim Strategy
Documentation and photography strategies for skin disability claims.
GI Condition Claim Strategy
How to document and claim gastrointestinal conditions effectively.
Neurological Condition Claim Strategy
Claiming nerve damage, neuropathy, and neurological disorders.
Vision and Hearing Combined Strategy
Maximizing ratings for combined sensory disabilities.
Chronic Pain Claim Strategy
How to document chronic pain for VA rating purposes.
Autoimmune Condition Claim Strategy
Evidence strategies for lupus, RA, MS, and other autoimmune claims.
Cancer Claim Strategy: Presumptive and Direct
How to file cancer claims and get treatment-period 100% ratings.
Endocrine and Thyroid Claim Strategy
Filing strategies for thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary conditions.
Urological Condition Claim Strategy
Evidence needs for bladder, prostate, and kidney claims.
Dental Condition Claim Strategy
When and how dental trauma qualifies for VA compensation.
Scar Claim Strategy: Separate Ratings for Scars
Getting individual scar ratings on top of underlying conditions.
Cold Injury Claim Strategy for Korea and Alaska Veterans
Claiming cold weather injury residuals and associated conditions.
Radiation Exposure Claim Strategy
Building evidence for nuclear testing and radiation exposure claims.
Asbestos Exposure Claim Strategy
Evidence requirements for mesothelioma and asbestos-related claims.
MST Claim Strategy: Alternative Evidence Sources
Building an MST claim with marker evidence and behavioral changes.
Pre-Existing Condition Aggravation Strategy
How to prove service aggravated a condition beyond natural progression.
Filing Multiple Claims at Once: Strategy Guide
When to file conditions together vs separately for best results.
Seasonal Condition Claim Strategy
Timing your claim filing to coincide with condition flare-ups.
Reserve and Guard Claim Strategy
Navigating the unique requirements for non-active-duty claims.
Military Retiree Concurrent Receipt Strategy
Maximizing total income with CRDP and CRSC.
Social Security and VA Claims: Combined Strategy
Using SSA disability records to support your VA claim.
Using Employment Records in VA Claims
How work limitations document your disability for rating purposes.
Medical Record Gaps: How to Fill Missing Evidence
Strategies when your service treatment records are incomplete.
Working with Your Private Doctor for VA Claims
How to get the right documentation from your private physician.
Using VA Healthcare Records to Support Claims
How regular VA treatment creates ongoing evidence for your claim.
Independent Medical Opinion Strategy
When to get an IMO and how to find qualified providers.
Contention Wording Strategy: Use the Right Language
How precise language on your claim form affects your outcome.
Appeal vs New Claim: Which Strategy Wins
When to appeal a denial vs filing a brand new claim.
Rating Code Selection Strategy
How the diagnostic code assigned affects your maximum possible rating.
SMC Strategy: Additional Monthly Payments
How to qualify for various SMC levels beyond base compensation.
Housebound Benefit Strategy
Qualifying for housebound SMC with a single 100% rating plus 60%.
Aid and Attendance Strategy
Getting the highest SMC tier for veterans needing daily care.
Chapter 35 DEA Benefits for Dependents
How permanent and total ratings unlock education benefits for your family.
Getting CHAMPVA Through Your VA Rating
How a permanent and total rating provides healthcare for dependents.
Property Tax Exemption Through VA Rating
State property tax benefits tied to your disability percentage.
VA Automobile and Adaptive Equipment Benefits
How specific ratings qualify you for vehicle grants and modifications.
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Strategy
Qualifying for housing modifications through VA disability ratings.
Vocational Rehab and VA Disability Combined
Using VR&E benefits alongside your disability compensation.
VR&E Serious Employment Handicap Strategy
How disability ratings affect VR&E eligibility and benefits.
Temporary 100% Strategy for Surgery and Recovery
How to get temporary total ratings during surgical recovery periods.
Staged Rating Strategy: Different Ratings Over Time
When the VA assigns different ratings for different time periods.
Using Rating Protection Rules to Your Advantage
How 5, 10, and 20-year rules protect your current ratings.
CUE Challenge Strategy: Fixing Old VA Mistakes
How to identify and challenge clear and unmistakable errors.
Federal Tort Claims Act Strategy for VA Errors
Filing FTCA claims when VA negligence caused additional harm.
Congressional Inquiry Strategy for Stalled Claims
When and how to use your Congressional representative to move your claim.
Writ of Mandamus: Forcing the VA to Act
Legal options when the VA unreasonably delays your claim.
Expert Witness Strategy for Board Appeals
Using medical experts in Board of Veterans Appeals hearings.
BVA Video Hearing Strategy
How to prepare for and present at a Board video hearing.
Travel Board Hearing Strategy and Tips
Preparing for an in-person Board of Veterans Appeals hearing.
Direct Review Lane Strategy
When to choose direct review for your Board appeal.
Evidence Submission Lane Strategy
When to choose the evidence submission lane at the Board.
Hearing Request Lane Strategy
When a Board hearing gives you the best chance of winning.
CAVC Appeal Strategy: Taking Your Case to Federal Court
When and how to appeal a Board decision to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
VA Claim Attorney Fee Agreements Explained
Understanding contingency fees, retainer agreements, and fee caps.
DIY Filing vs Professional Help: Decision Guide
When you can file alone and when professional help is worth it.
Claim Prioritization: Which Conditions to File First
How to order your claims for maximum strategic benefit.
Multiple Mental Health Conditions Strategy
How the VA handles claims for PTSD, depression, and anxiety together.
Toxic Exposure Registry Strategy: Document Your Exposure
How registering for airborne hazard and burn pit registries supports your claim.
MOS-Specific Claim Strategy: Using Your Job Against the VA
How your military occupational specialty supports specific condition claims.
Family Medical History and VA Claims: What Matters
How family history factors into aggravation and pre-existing condition claims.