Log service, deployments, and exposures to flag PACT Act presumptives.
A tax-free monthly payment for veterans whose service caused or worsened a condition. A benefit you earned.
Each tab feeds the next. Working in order turns a blank form into a full claim package — exposures linked to presumptives, ratings combined, benefits mapped, filing steps ready.
Component, discharge character, and service dates.
Understanding your claim history helps identify the best filing strategy.
Each deployment, TDY, or in-theater period — these drive presumptive eligibility.
Symptom timeline, DD-214 references, prior claims, anything else relevant.
Dependent information affects compensation rates at 30%+ and unlocks additional benefits.
VA compensation increases for veterans rated 30% or higher who have dependents. See the Dependents Entitlements tab for detailed rates by rating level.
One of the most impactful steps you can take — and it only takes a minute.
File a VA Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) immediately — even before you have your evidence gathered. This establishes an effective date up to one year earlier than when you submit your final claim. The difference can be worth thousands of dollars in back pay.
You can file an Intent to File online, by phone (1-800-827-1000), or in person at a VA regional office. It takes about one minute and costs nothing.
Powerful supporting evidence for your claim — especially for conditions without a paper trail.
A buddy statement (VA Form 21-10210) is a written account from someone who witnessed your in-service event, injury, or ongoing symptoms — a fellow service member, spouse, family member, or friend. The VA gives significant weight to lay evidence, especially for:
How to get effective buddy statements: Ask the person to describe specific events, dates, locations, and how they observed your condition affecting you. Details matter — "I saw him limping every day for six months after the jump" is stronger than "he had a knee problem."
Exposures from your deployments are pre-checked. Add any others. Tap (i) for details.
Conditions VA links to specific exposures. Auto-mode shows matches for your checked hazards.
Add a deployment or check an exposure to see matching presumptives.
Common service-connected conditions beyond presumptives. Check any that apply to you.
These are the most frequently claimed VA disabilities. Many can be filed as direct service connection or secondary to another rated condition.