VA’s Hidden Truths: Discover the Right Claim to File

VA's Hidden Truths: Discover the Right Claim to File

Veterans: What If the VA Already Told You Exactly What Type of Claim to File?

Many veterans may be surprised to learn that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clearly outlines the types of disability claims, when to file them, and how—but unfortunately, this valuable information is buried deep within their website. Filing the wrong type of claim or filing at the wrong time can cost veterans thousands in benefits or even result in denial.

Our contributor, who is an attorney and a retired VA rating specialist, uncovered this overlooked information on the VA’s official website and believes it’s critical to bring this to light for the veteran community.

Types of VA Disability Claims: Direct from the VA

According to the VA’s website, there are several types of disability claims. Each one has its own unique purpose and ideal time for filing. Below is a breakdown of these claim types with essential insights.

1. Original Claim

This is the first claim ever filed by a veteran for disability compensation. It establishes the veteran’s initial entitlement to benefits. The VA refers to this as the original claim because there were no prior claims on file.

For active duty service members, the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program allows a claim to be filed between 180 and 90 days before separation from service. Veterans are encouraged to document every medical visit while on active duty to establish a strong medical record.

→ BDD Program Details

2. Post-Service Claim (One-Year Presumptive)

The VA allows claims to be filed after discharge, particularly for conditions that appear within one year of separation. This is known under 38 CFR § 3.309(a) as a one-year presumptive condition.

Examples of Presumptive Conditions:

Diabetes Mellitus – Supported by two A1C tests taken within the year after discharge.
Arthritis – Conditions such as chronic pain in joints (knees, hips, back, shoulders, etc.) should be supported with diagnostic imaging like X-rays.

Example phrasing: “Claiming [condition] as a one-year presumptive under 38 CFR § 3.309(a). Please see attached diagnostic evidence.”

→ Presumptive Conditions Guide

3. Increased Claim

Veterans may file an increased claim if a service-connected condition worsens. However, this is a common area where veterans face reductions instead of increases.

Before filing, veterans should review the diagnostic code for their condition to ensure their symptoms meet the requirements for a higher rating.

If the rating has been in place less than 5 years, only one unfavorable exam is required for the VA to propose a reduction. If it has been in place more than 5 years, two unfavorable exams are required.

→ Schedule for Rating Disabilities

4. New Claim

A new claim refers to requests for additional benefits related to an already service-connected condition. This often involves secondary service connection.

Example: A left knee injury caused by an altered gait due to a service-connected right knee condition. Ensure:

The primary condition is already service-connected.
The secondary condition has a valid diagnosis.

→ Secondary Service Connection Info

5. Special Claim

These are claims for special circumstances or needs. Examples include:

Specially adapted vehicles
Temporary total disability (Paragraph 29 & 30)
Individual Unemployability (IU) if the veteran is unable to work due to service-connected conditions

IU is not a standalone claim and is considered a type of increased claim.

→ Temporary 100% Disability Ratings

6. Supplemental Claim

A supplemental claim allows a veteran to reopen a previously denied claim by providing:

New and relevant evidence
A request for review based on a change in law or policy (e.g., the PACT Act)

When submitting, veterans should clearly state the reason: e.g., “Reopening PTSD claim with new and relevant evidence including attached DBQ and nexus letter.”

→ Learn More About Supplemental Claims

The VA has made considerable improvements to its website, offering clearer guidance and more accessible information. However, many of these important pages remain buried and are often overlooked by veterans trying to navigate the process alone. Veterans are encouraged to explore these resources fully to ensure they are filing the correct type of claim, at the right time, with the necessary supporting evidence.

The Ultimate VA API Tool Guide: All the Hidden Links in One Place

Hidden VA Tools You Can Use: View Claim Status, Static Ratings & More

If you’ve ever wanted a faster way to check your VA claim, see if your ratings are static, or confirm that the VA received your DBQs, this guide is for you.

This is the final “API-style” tutorial I’ll be doing — and I’ve packed everything into one place. Just paste the right link and get your info straight from VA.gov.

⚠️ Important Note: These aren’t normal web pages. They’re direct API endpoints used by the VA system. To view them:
1. Log in to VA.gov.
2. Open a new tab or window.
3. Paste one of the links below into the address bar.
4. Hit Enter.
5. You’ll see raw data or system info related to your VA benefits — sometimes it looks like code, but it’s real data!

🔍 What Can You Do With These Links?

✅ Check if your disability ratings are static
📬 See if there’s been movement on your VA claim
📁 Confirm if the VA has received your DBQs
📝 View claim and appeal details
👤 Access your user account information
🔍 Discover behind-the-scenes data not shown in the regular dashboard

🔗 Copy & Paste These VA API Links (After Logging In)

You must be logged into VA.gov for them to work properly.

✅ 1. Check if Your Ratings Are Static

Check whether your ratings are marked as “static,” meaning they’re not subject to future reduction.
📎 https://www.va.gov/api/user_rating_info/v1/ratings

📃 2. See All Submitted Claims

Displays a full list of claims you’ve filed with the VA.
📎 https://www.va.gov/api/claim_documents/v1/claims

🕵️‍♂️ 3. View Detailed Claim Status

See estimated claim completion dates, evidence submitted (like DBQs), and current status.
📎 https://www.va.gov/api/evss_claims/v1/claims

📑 4. View Appeal Status (HLRs & Supplementals)

See the status of your Higher-Level Reviews and Supplemental Claims.
📎 https://www.va.gov/api/appeals_status/v1/appeals

⚠️ Note: BVA (Board of Veterans’ Appeals) decisions may not show here. If they do populate for you, let us know in the comments so we can update this info.

👤 5. See Your VA User Profile

Displays personal information tied to your VA.gov account like contact info and login details.
📎 https://www.va.gov/api/user/v1/user

💡 Bonus Tip: Save or Print What You See

After visiting any of the above links:

Use your browser’s Print option (Ctrl+P or Cmd+P)
Select “Save as PDF”
Keep a copy for your records or to send to a VSO

🛠️ Troubleshooting

If you see an error like “Try the search box or one of the common questions below?” — here’s why:

You weren’t logged into VA.gov before opening the link
Or you pasted the link without using a new tab

To fix it:

Go to VA.gov and log in
Open a new browser window or tab
Paste one of the links above
Press Enter

Still not working? Try using a different browser like Chrome or Firefox.

🧠 Why These Links Matter

These API tools give veterans quicker, deeper access to their VA data — no waiting on letters or phone calls. It’s like pulling back the curtain on your VA profile.

If you’ve used the VA Claim Tracker, this gives you even more insight — especially if you know what you’re looking for.

⚠️ Disclaimer

VeteransBenefitsHub.com is a privately owned resource for veterans and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The links provided above direct to official VA.gov APIs. We do not store, collect, or manage any user data. For official help, visit https://www.va.gov.

VA improves access to claims information

VA’s Claim Status Tool allows Veterans to view the status of their VA claims online using their VA.gov login. This tool displays which claims are in process and identifies any actions Veterans need to take. It also gives Veterans the ability to review recent claim activity.

Claim Status Tool Enhancements

VA recently enhanced the Claim Status Tool to improve your digital, self-service experience. The tool now shows a breakdown of the eight-step disability claims process, making it easier to understand where your claim currently stands. The steps include:

Step 1: Claim received
VA receives your claim in its system.
Step 2: Initial review
VA reviews your claim for basic information (e.g., name, Social Security Number).
Step 3: Evidence gathering
VA reviews your claim to ensure it contains all necessary information. VA may ask for more evidence at this step of the claims process. Additional evidence could include a claim-related medical exam or medical records from a VA or non-VA provider.
Step 4: Evidence review
VA reviews all collected evidence for a claim.
Step 5: Rating
VA decides your claim and determines the disability rating.
Step 6: Preparing decision letter
VA prepares the decision letter. Though this letter cannot be viewed on VA.gov until Step 8, it will identify if you are eligible for additional benefits. This letter will include details such as disability ratings, the amount of monthly payments, and when payments begin.
Step 7: Final review
A senior reviewer from VA will conduct a final review of the claim and decision letter.
Step 8: Decision letter available
You can view and download your decision letter for the claim on the Status page of the Claim Status Tool.

More About the Claim Status Tool

The Claim Status Tool contains three main tabs:

Status: The Status tab tells you what actions you can take to support your claim and lists requests for third parties.
Files: The Files tab displays information requests to you, a button for uploading files, and a list of supporting documents you have submitted to VA.
Overview: The Overview tab provides you with a description of the claims process, spotlights each step, and explains that the process may return to a previous step if more information is needed.

You no longer have to contact a call center or regional office for claims information. The Claim Status Tool allows you to access important claim information whenever you need it. This tool is another step forward in VBA’s ongoing mission to support Veterans and their families. To learn more about using the Claim Status Tool, please visit the Claims Status page.