Why Documentation Is the Key to Winning Your VA Disability Claim
When it comes to navigating the VA benefits process, one of the biggest — and most often overlooked — pieces of the puzzle is providing proper documentation to support your claim. In short, evidence is everything.
Most conversations around VA claims focus heavily on getting service-connected. That’s great — but it’s only half the battle. The other half? Getting the appropriate rating. Today, we’re going to break down what kind of evidence you need, how to prepare it, and what it takes to not just get service-connected, but rated accurately from the start.
The Two Buckets of Evidence
Your evidence falls into two primary categories:
- Lay Evidence – Personal statements, buddy letters, family observations.
- Medical Evidence – Diagnoses, treatment history, DBQs, nexus letters.
Lay evidence is typically more helpful in proving service connection. Medical evidence is critical for both connection and rating. The more substantial your medical evidence, the better your chances of securing the correct rating the first time around.
Start With an Intent to File
Before gathering evidence, file an Intent to File. It’s quick and easy. You don’t need to specify conditions; you’re simply telling the VA that you plan to file a claim. Choose whether it’s for compensation or pension — in most disability cases, it’s compensation.
Why is this so important? It locks in your effective date and the rating schedule for that point in time, giving you up to 12 months to gather and submit all your evidence.
What the VA Looks for in Service Connection
To get service-connected, the VA is looking for three things:
- Proof of service – Your DD214 shows your service dates and character of discharge.
- Diagnosis of a current condition – Medical documentation that your condition exists and is ongoing or chronic.
- Nexus – A medical link between your condition and your time in service.
If you didn’t have a diagnosis or thorough medical records during service, don’t worry. That’s where a nexus letter comes into play — ideally from a provider familiar with VA standards.
From Connection to Correct Rating
Now let’s talk ratings. Once you’re service-connected, you need to prove the severity of your condition. This is where most veterans fall short.
Look up the VA rating schedule for your condition. Study the criteria for each rating level. Understand what’s required for a 10%, 30%, 50%, etc. Then, compare that to your symptoms. If you don’t meet the criteria, your doctor needs to understand what additional documentation is needed.
Bring the rating schedule with you to your appointments. Better yet, have your doctor complete a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) using the correct form for your condition. Providers like AM (America’s Medical Experts) specialize in this — they know how to format reports that meet the VA’s exact needs.
Why This Matters
Getting your rating right the first time saves you months — or even years — of appeals and supplemental claims. The right documentation and a well-crafted DBQ can prevent delays and ensure you’re compensated fairly, starting from your original intent-to-file date.
Bonus Tip: File Now, Supplement Later
If your intent to file is about to expire and you don’t have all your evidence ready — file anyway. File for all conditions you plan to pursue, even if you’re missing a couple pieces of evidence for some of them.
Let’s say you file for seven conditions, but only have documentation for five. The VA might approve the five and deny the two. Later, when you have the missing evidence, you can submit a supplemental claim for the two denied conditions — and still retain the effective date of your original filing.
This strategy can be a game-changer in maximizing your back pay and avoiding unnecessary delays.
Final Thoughts
Remember: your VA claim has two goals — get service-connected and get the right rating. The only way to do both is by understanding what the VA is looking for, using the right evidence, and working closely with your doctor or a VA-savvy medical provider.
