VA Disability Claim Resources & Guides
Lay Statement / Buddy Statement Builder
Create a professionally formatted personal lay statement or buddy statement to support your VA disability claim. Our guided form walks you through every section the VA needs to see.
Build Your StatementPACT Act Eligibility Check
Find out if your military service qualifies you for presumptive conditions under the PACT Act. Covers burn pit exposure, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune water contamination, and radiation exposure benefits.
Check Your EligibilityVA Disability Calculator
Calculate your combined VA disability rating and estimated monthly benefit with our easy-to-use calculator. Enter your individual disability ratings to see how they combine according to VA rules.
Go to Disability CalculatorGet your personalized VA claim roadmap for just $29.99
Includes C&P exam coaching, evidence strategies, and CFR citations.
Start Your Free GuideHow VA Disability Ratings Work
Understanding how the VA evaluates disability claims
The VA assigns disability ratings on a scale from 0% to 100%, in increments of 10%. These ratings determine your level of compensation. For veterans with multiple disabilities, the VA uses a special formula rather than simply adding percentages together.
Your rating is based on how your disability affects your ability to function in life and at work. The more severe the impact, the higher the rating. Medical evidence documenting these limitations is crucial to receiving an appropriate rating.
Want personalized guidance for your specific conditions? Start your free claim guide →
Evidence Guide: Building a Strong VA Claim
The foundation of a successful disability claim
Medical evidence is the cornerstone of your claim. This includes service treatment records, VA medical records, private healthcare records, and VA examinations (C&P exams).
Lay evidence (statements from you, family members, friends, or fellow service members) can provide context about how your condition impacts your daily life or how an in-service event occurred.
The strongest claims connect your current disability to your military service using both medical and lay evidence.
Want personalized guidance for your specific conditions? Start your free claim guide →
VA Claim Process: Step-by-Step Timeline
What to expect during your claim journey
- Claim submission (online, by mail, or in-person)
- Initial review by VA (1-2 weeks)
- Evidence gathering, review, and decision (3-5 months average)
- C&P exam scheduling (if required)
- Rating decision and notification
- Payment start (if approved)
The entire process typically takes 3-6 months, but complex claims may take longer. You can check your claim status anytime through VA.gov or the VA mobile app.
Want personalized guidance for your specific conditions? Start your free claim guide →