Veterans filing a VA disability claim for the first time may feel as if they’re trying to put together a 10,000-piece puzzle.
Where to start? What to file? Where to send it? What happens next?
Fortunately, the VA claims process has come a long way in 2025. With a little know-how and the right approach, you can file a successful claim and get the benefits you deserve.
Plus, the good news is that VA is processing disability claims faster than ever before in recent months.
In fact, with a reported 62% of claims being approved, it’s easier than ever to get the ball rolling.
Here’s how to file for VA claims the right way…
What you’ll discover:
- Understanding Your Claim Options
- Gathering The Right Evidence
- The Submission Process Explained
- What To Expect After Filing
- Common Mistakes Veterans Make
Understanding Your Claim Options
First off, before you get started filing, you need to understand what type of claim you’re filing.
The VA has different claim types, and the type you file can make a major difference to how long you wait to get your benefits. So here are the 3x main options to be aware of:
Original Claims: This is your initial claim for VA disability benefits. You’re informing the VA of your condition that you think is service-connected.
Supplemental Claims: Got an existing rating with the VA? Add a new condition to your rating, or appeal a past decision, with a supplemental claim.
Fully Developed Claims (FDC): Want to fast-track your filing? An FDC allows you to submit all required evidence up-front, significantly reducing your wait time.
Here’s the kicker…
Veterans filing for the first time don’t realize that by choosing the Fully Developed Claims route, they can save themselves months of waiting. It all comes down to getting all of your evidence ready upfront before you file.
Gathering The Right Evidence
This is the make or break step for most claims.
The VA is going to ask you for evidence that you have a condition, and that it’s service-connected. If you don’t have hard evidence to back up your claim, it’s going to be denied. So what kind of evidence should you be gathering?
Medical records are the backbone of your claim. This includes service treatment records, VA medical records and any private healthcare records you have. The more solid medical history you can provide, the better.
But it doesn’t end there…
Statements from your fellow service members are super valuable. Buddy statements can confirm your account of an injury or event and help provide context that your medical records can’t.
Your service records play a role, too. Your DD-214, deployment records, and any incident reports are all useful in making the case between your service and your current condition.
Pro tip: Keep copies of everything. VA is processing millions of documents and it’s easy for paperwork to get lost.
The Submission Process Explained
Ok, ready to file? Here’s how:
You can file online via VA.gov which is the fastest and easiest way. The site will guide you step-by-step, and you can upload your documents directly. You can even track the progress of your claim online in real-time.
You can mail your claim to your regional VA office. Use VA Form 21-526EZ if you are applying for disability compensation, and include all the evidence you’ve gathered.
You can file in-person at a local VA regional office or with the help of a Veterans Service Officer (VSO). This gives you face-to-face assistance. You can find a VSO by visiting your local VA regional office or searching online. They’re free and will help you with the process.
Ok, so what happens when you file…
Your claim is assigned to a regional office based on your location. A claims processor is then assigned to review your claim and request any additional evidence they may need. They may even schedule you for a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to further evaluate your condition.
The waiting game begins.
Claims can take 138 days on average to process as of this writing. This may fluctuate based on the complexity of the claim and the workload at that particular regional office.
What To Expect After Filing
There are a few stages that your claim goes through:
Initial Review: The VA confirms receipt of your claim and that they have everything they need to get processing. If they need more evidence, they’ll send you a request.
Evidence Gathering: The VA rounds up all the records it needs. This includes pulling your service records, reaching out for medical opinions and scheduling your C&P exam.
Rating Decision: A rating specialist will review all the evidence and assign a disability rating in percentage terms. This is what your monthly compensation will be based on.
Notification: You will receive a decision letter in the mail from the VA that will detail their decision. If your claim is approved, you’ll see your first payment within 15 days of the decision.
Not all claims are approved the first time around. If your claim is denied or you disagree with your rating, you have appeal options. VA’s appeals process has been modernized, and there are 3x paths you can take:
- Submit a Supplemental Claim: Send in new evidence to be considered
- Higher-Level Review: Have a more senior reviewer re-examine your case
- Board Appeal: Take your claim to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals
Each path has different timelines and processes. So be sure to pick the one that is best for your situation.
Common Mistakes Veterans Make
Not submitting all required medical evidence is by far the number one reason why claims get denied. Veterans mistakenly think that the VA will automatically find all their records. They won’t. It’s your responsibility.
Delaying your claim too long also costs veterans years in back pay. File as soon as you think a condition is service-connected, even if you’re still in the process of gathering evidence.
Trying to do everything yourself when you need professional assistance. VA claims consultants and VSOs are there for a reason. They know the system and can help you avoid expensive mistakes.
Being vague about your condition and its impact. “My back hurts” won’t cut it. Explain exactly how it impacts your day-to-day life, ability to work, and activities.
Skipping the C&P exam or not taking it seriously is a major error. This exam is key to your claim. Show up prepared, be honest, and explain your worst day, not your best.
How To Increase Your Approval Chances
Successful claims, and what they have in common.
They’re complete. There are no gaps in your story. There are no missing medical records, no vague statements.
They clearly establish service connections. It’s obvious, and well documented, that your condition is related to your military service.
They’re specific about the symptoms. Don’t underplay how your condition impacts you. Be honest and detailed about your limitations. VA needs to understand your restrictions in order to accurately rate you.
Following up is also key. Keep checking in on the status of your claim. Respond quickly to any requests from VA for additional information. The faster you can get the VA what they need, the faster they can process your claim.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Getting assistance from a professional isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a smart move. VA claims consultants and VSOs know the ins and outs of the system and will often catch mistakes that you and I will miss.
Wrapping This Up
Filing a claim with the VA is no mystery.
You just need to take the time to be prepared and have a clear understanding of the process, and you can file a winning claim that passes muster at VA. Just remember these 5 key things:
- Choose the right type of claim
- Gather all the relevant medical evidence up-front
- Be specific about your conditions and symptoms
- Don’t take the C&P exam lightly
- Follow up and respond promptly to VA requests for more info
VA is processing claims at a faster rate than ever and approval rates are at an all-time high. Seize the opportunity and get the benefits you deserve through your service.