Independent Guidance For Veterans & Families
Understand Your
VA Benefits.
Take Your Next Step.
Practical tools, clear guides, and official resources to help you understand VA disability compensation and prepare for what comes next.
- Free To Use
- No Account Needed
- Independent Of VA
MORE THAN A CLAIM
Benefits For The Life You’re Building.
Your IncomeUnderstand Your Compensation
Understand ratings, payments, and your next claim step.
Disability & Compensation
Your Well-BeingFind Your Path To Care
Explore VA health care, enrollment, and support.
Health & Care
Your FamilyLook After Those Beside You
Find guidance for dependents, caregivers, and survivors.
Family & Survivor Support
Your CommunitySee What Your State Offers
Browse local benefits and official help near you.
State & Local BenefitsIllustrative photographs. View Image Credits
CALCULATE, PLAN & PREPARE
Your Benefits Toolkit
VA Combined
Rating Calculator
See how your assigned ratings combine.
Retroactive Pay Calculator
Check historical payment amounts based on your decision.
Claim Preparation Checklist
Stay organized and know what to gather next.
VA Deadline Calculator
Check ordinary review windows and important dates.
Rating Schedule Explorer
Search published rating criteria by condition.
THE VA CLAIM JOURNEY
A Clear Path Through The Process
KNOWLEDGE THAT HELPS YOU MOVE FORWARD
The Essentials, Explained Clearly.
THE WHOLE PROCESS, IN ONE PLACE
Go Deeper Into What Matters To You.
42 detailed guides. Six focused paths. Official sources you can check.
BUILD A CLEARER CLAIM FILE
Tell The Whole Story.
Support It With Evidence.
A diagnosis, a service event and a daily limitation answer different questions. A useful file connects the relevant records and explains what is still missing.
- Name the condition. List the symptoms or diagnosis and where you receive treatment.
- Explain the service connection. Identify relevant service events, an existing service-connected condition, or a possible presumption.
- Describe the impact. Give accurate examples of limitations at work and in everyday life.
Start with VA’s evidence requirements; the required evidence depends on your claim.
CONDITIONS & EXPOSURES
Specific Questions Deserve Useful Answers.
Learn what to document for common conditions and exposure-related claims. Each guide explains evidence, important distinctions and an official next step.
Explore All Condition GuidesYou Don’t Have To Figure It Out Alone.
VA-accredited VSO representatives can help with claims at no charge. Learn how to find and verify help.
COMMON QUESTIONS
A Few Good Places To Start.
More detailed answers, and the official sources behind them, are in each guide.
Can I apply for VA disability years after leaving service?
There is no general time limit to file a VA disability claim. You still need to meet eligibility and evidence requirements. Timing can affect the effective date and other benefits, so review the eligibility and effective-date guides.
Do I need to pay someone to file my first claim?
You can file with VA yourself or work with a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization representative for free. Check accreditation and understand any proposed fee agreement before paying for help.
Does this website file my VA claim?
No. This guide helps you understand the process and prepare. Your official application is filed with VA, either directly or with an accredited representative.