Start Here: VA Claims Basics

If you served in the military and have a health condition connected to your service, you may qualify for VA disability benefits. This guide explains the basics.

What Is a VA Disability Claim?

A VA disability claim is a request for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. If approved, you receive monthly tax-free payments based on how much your condition affects your daily life.

The VA rates disabilities from 0% to 100% in increments of 10. Higher ratings mean larger monthly payments.

Who Can File a Claim?

You may be eligible if you:

Served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training
Have a current physical or mental health condition
Can show a connection between your condition and your military service

You do not need to have served in combat. Many conditions—like hearing loss, joint problems, or mental health issues—can be connected to routine military service.

The Three Things You Need

To win a VA disability claim, you generally need to show three things:

A current diagnosis: Medical evidence that you have the condition today
An in-service event: Proof that something happened during your service (injury, illness, exposure, etc.)
A nexus: A connection between your current condition and that in-service event

The nexus is often the hardest part. Medical opinions, buddy letters, and your own statements can help establish this connection.

How Long Does It Take?

As of mid-2026, the VA reports an average of about 69 days to complete disability-related claims (a figure it updates monthly), but times vary widely. Complex claims or those requiring more evidence can take longer.

Filing an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) can protect your effective date while you gather evidence—potentially resulting in more back pay if approved. If you start your application online at VA.gov, your effective date is set automatically the moment you begin the form.

What Forms Do You Need?

The main forms for a disability claim include:

VA Form 21-526EZ: The main application for disability compensation
VA Form 21-10210: A formal statement supporting a claim—your own statement or one from a witness who knows about your condition
VA Form 21-4138: A general-purpose statement, used when another VA form or process asks you for more information

Tips for Success

Be specific: Describe your worst days, not your best
Gather evidence early: Medical records, service records, and buddy letters all help
File an Intent to File: This protects your effective date while you prepare
Review before submitting: Make sure all information is accurate and complete

Next Steps

Ready to learn more? Check out our guides on how the VA rates conditions and how to write an effective personal statement.