File Your Claim
For most Veterans filing a new disability compensation claim, the easiest place to start is directly through VA.gov. The steps below walk you through filing, submitting your Nexus Letter, and reviewing everything before you hit submit.
File your claim through the VA
Start a disability compensation claim:
If you prefer to use a paper application:
Clearly identify the condition you are claiming
Identify the medical condition you are asking VA to evaluate. Your Nexus Letter is the supporting evidence.
Upload your Nexus Letter
When the VA gives you the opportunity to submit supporting evidence, upload the completed Nexus Letter.
Do not alter the completed medical opinion
VA evidence upload information:
Consider including a personal statement
A medical opinion and a Veteran's personal statement serve different purposes. Your Nexus Letter provides a healthcare professional's medical opinion. Your personal statement tells your story.
Depending on the claim, a personal statement may help explain things such as:
- What happened during your service
- When you first noticed symptoms
- How your symptoms developed
- Medical treatment you have received
- How frequently symptoms occur
- The severity of your symptoms
- How the disability affects your work
- How it affects your sleep
- How it affects your family or relationships
- How it affects ordinary activities and daily life
You should describe your experience accurately and in your own words.
Statements from other people
The VA also accepts lay or witness statements from people who have firsthand knowledge relevant to a claim. These are sometimes called buddy statements, although they can also come from spouses, family members, friends, fellow service members, coworkers, or other people with relevant knowledge.
VA Form 21-10210, Lay/Witness Statement:
The VA specifically recognizes lay evidence as one form of supporting evidence in disability claims.
Review everything before you submit
Before clicking submit, take a minute and review what you are actually sending VA.
Quick claim checklist
- I identified the correct medical condition.
- I understand whether I am claiming it directly, secondarily, presumptively, or under another applicable theory.
- The theory of service connection I am describing is consistent with the medical relationship evaluated in my Nexus Letter.
- My Nexus Letter is included.
- VA has, or can obtain, the important underlying medical records.
- I included any personal or witness statements I want the VA to consider.
- My contact information is correct.
- I reviewed the application for obvious errors.
- I saved a copy or confirmation of what I submitted.
Now you can submit your claim.