Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Rated for a New VA Disability

Joey Garza
Mar 28, 2025
3 min read

Filing a VA disability claim can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re dealing with a service-related condition and need a higher rating or a new claim approved, this guide will walk you through the exact steps to get the compensation you deserve.

Step 1: Are You Eligible? Let’s Find Out.

Before filing, ask yourself these three key questions:

✅ Do you have a current medical diagnosis? (VA or private doctor)✅ Is your condition connected to your service? (Direct, Secondary, or Presumptive)✅ Do you have medical or service records to back it up?

How Does the VA Decide If It’s Service-Connected?

There are four main ways to qualify:

Direct Service Connection – Caused by your time in the military (e.g., hearing loss from combat, PTSD from deployment).
Secondary Service Connection – A condition caused by or worsened by an existing VA-rated disability (e.g., diabetes causing neuropathy).
Presumptive Service Connection – The VA assumes it’s related to service based on where/when you served (e.g., Agent Orange exposure).
Aggravation – A pre-existing condition that got worse because of military service.

💡 Not sure where your condition fits? We can help! Call (925) 238-3344 for a free consultation.

Step 2: Gather Your Evidence (The Right Way!)

To win your claim, you need solid proof. Here’s what to gather:

🩺 Medical Evidence – VA or private doctor’s diagnosis, treatment history.📜 Service Treatment Records (STRs) – If you were treated for it during service.📁 VA or Private Medical Records – To show how severe your condition is.📝 Nexus Letter – A doctor’s statement linking your condition to military service (CRUCIAL for secondary conditions).✍️ Buddy Statements – Testimonies from family, friends, or fellow veterans confirming your symptoms.

⚠️ The VA won’t connect the dots for you. The more clear, detailed evidence you provide, the better your chances.

Step 3: File Your VA Disability Claim

You have three easy ways to file your claim:

✅ Online: VA.gov – Fastest method.✅ By Mail: Fill out VA Form 21-526EZ and send it to:📍 Department of Veterans Affairs📍 Evidence Intake Center📍 P.O. Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444✅ In-Person: Visit a VA Regional Office and submit your claim.

💡 Pro Tip: File an Intent to File to lock in your back pay date while you gather evidence.

Step 4: Get Ready for the C&P Exam (This Can Make or Break Your Claim)

After submitting your claim, the VA will schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam. This is NOT a treatment appointment—it’s the VA’s way of deciding how severe your condition is.

What to Expect During the Exam:

👨‍⚕️ A VA-contracted doctor will ask questions, run tests, and document your symptoms.📂 They’ll review your medical records, but you need to speak up about how your condition affects your life.🗣️ Be honest! Don’t downplay your symptoms. If you struggle with daily tasks, say so.

💡 C&P Exam Tips for Success:✔️ Be Specific – Explain how your condition limits work, mobility, sleep, or relationships.✔️ Mention All Symptoms – Even if they seem minor, they can add up for a higher rating.✔️ Bring Supporting Documents – If you have outside medical records, bring them!

Step 5: Wait for the VA Decision (and Prepare for Next Steps)

⌛ Processing Time: The VA typically takes 3-6 months to decide.📩 You’ll Receive a Rating Decision Letter – This will tell you if you were approved, denied, or rated too low.💰 Back Pay: If approved, you’ll get compensation dating back to your claim’s effective date.

⚠️ Denied or Low Rating? You have options:🔹 Supplemental Claim – Submit new evidence for reconsideration.🔹 Higher-Level Review – Have a more experienced VA adjudicator review your case.🔹 Appeal to the BVA – If needed, take it to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. (This can take years to get a decision!!)

💡 Don’t settle for a low rating! Many veterans win higher ratings or appeals with the right approach.