VA Disability Blueprint's VA 101 - All of these examples are

It's going to be ok, we are in this together and even though the VA system can be frustrating, we are here to make it better, faster and to get you a successful claim.

You may be eligible for VA disability benefits or compensation if you meet both of these requirements.

Both of these must be true:

• You have a current illness or injury (known as a condition) that affects your mind or body, and
• You served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training click here

The VA claim process is 8 steps:

1. Claim received

2. Initial review

3. Evidence gathering

4.Evidence review

5. Rating

6. Preparing decision letter

7. Final review

8. Final decision

This is covered more in our VA  Disability Blueprint book

 (The very first thing to do! An Intent to File is a notification to the VA that you plan to submit a claim for disability benefits. This action establishes a potential effective date for your benefits, which can allow for retroactive payments if your claim is approved. By submitting this intent, you can secure a start date for your benefits while you gather the necessary documentation for your claim. 

This is covered more in our VA  Disability Blueprint book

 Veterans frequently look for lists of conditions eligible for service-connected benefits. The top claimed issues include tinnitus, PTSD, hearing loss, back and joint pain, sleep apnea, depression, migraine headaches, scars, and respiratory illnesses 

This is covered more in our VA  Disability Blueprint book

 To establish service connection for a VA disability claim, veterans need to provide evidence demonstrating three key elements: a current disability, an in-service event, injury, or illness, and a link (nexus).

This nexus is typically proven with medical evidence, but in some cases, layevidence like buddy statements can also be helpful. 

This is covered more in our VA  Disability Blueprint book

 Many search for presumptive conditions—disabilities automatically presumed related to service without needing to prove in-service cause—such as Commander exposure, Agent Orange, burn pits, and certain mental health conditions 

 Veterans ask about the nature of VA exams, what to expect, how to best prepare, and concerns about exam reliability—especially for PTSD, where inconsistent practices and examiner approaches raise red flags. THIS IS YOUR FINAL EXAM!

This is covered more in our VA  Disability Blueprint book

  Processing delays and backlog frustrations are common. Many claimants ask for expected timelines, appeals status, and how to navigate the system more swiftly . As of Sept 2025, claims are taking aprox 90- days

This is covered more in our VA  Disability Blueprint book

  Requests for guidance on TDIU eligibility—and whether they’re entitled to retroactive compensation (back pay)—feature prominently in searches and forums   

   Many vets want to understand how the VA assigns percentage ratings based on severity, limitations, or combined disability—impacting compensation level and additional benefits   

This is covered more in our VA  Disability Blueprint book

Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is a VA program that allows veterans who cannot work due to service-connected disabilities to receive compensation at the 100% disability rate, even if their combined disability rating is less than 100%. Veterans can apply for TDIU either simultaneously with their initial VA disability claim or later if their condition worsens. This benefit is designed for those whose service-connected disabilities prevent them from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

 You can appeal the VA’s decision on your claim (by 3 ways) by filing a Higher-Level Review, Supplemental Claim, or appealing directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.  

The VA is obligated to help gather the evidence assisting your claim. They will make a “reasonable effort” to obtain your: VA medical records. Ultimately, this falls on you!

If VA rates a single condition, your rating is the rating for that single condition, but most veterans are rated for multiple conditions. This rating for multiple conditions is called a “combined” rating.

Examples of evidence to include in your VA claim:  

• VA medical and/or hospital records 
• Private medical and/or hospital records
• Supporting statements from family, friends, coworkers, clergy, or law enforcement personnel with knowledge about how and when your disability happened or how it got worse. 

 DBQs help collect necessary medical information to process your disability claims. You can use these forms to submit medical evidence from your health care providers. This information helps to support your claims for disability benefits. Please have your health care provider fill out and submit the appropriate forms for your claimed conditions. .

Yes, actually, but some veterans may not like it. The easiest way to get VA approval is to seek treatment. A disturbing number of veterans have been turned down in the past because they either never sought treatment or there were inexplicable gaps in their treatment histories.

Veterans must be able to prove that their condition is chronic and seriously in need of treatment. For example – say you want to file a claim for a shoulder injury, but you were discharged in 1982 and didn't ever visit a doctor about your shoulder until only a few years ago. It's unlikely that the VA will grant service because there's no record of your shoulder being a chronic problem.