VA Disability Tracker

🎯 Strategy — Path to Maximizing Your Rating

VA Combined Ratings Math

The VA does NOT add ratings. They use "whole body" efficiency: each rating subtracts from remaining efficiency. 50+30+20 ≠ 100%. It's much lower.

Step 1: Combine bilateral conditions first (arms/legs both sides) → add 10% bilateral factor
Step 2: Layer non-bilateral conditions using remaining efficiency
Step 3: Final = 100% - remaining efficiency. Round to nearest 10%.

95%+ rounds to 100%. That's the target for a 100% scheduler rating.

Secondary Claims — Multiply Your Rating

What is a secondary claim?

If Condition A causes or worsens Condition B, you can claim B as secondary to A. This is one of the most powerful ways to increase your combined rating — each secondary condition adds its own rating on top.

Primary Condition	Possible Secondaries	Rationale
Mental Health (anxiety/depression/PTSD)	Sleep disorders, digestive issues, headaches	Stress/anxiety can trigger or worsen these conditions
Joint Conditions (knee/hip/ankle)	Other joint pain, back pain, gait-related issues	Compensating for one joint stresses others up the kinetic chain
Tinnitus / Hearing Loss	Depression/anxiety, sleep disturbance	Constant ringing causes distress and sleep issues
Chronic Pain (any)	Mental health, sleep disorders, medication side effects	Pain affects mood, sleep, and NSAID use can damage stomach
Respiratory / Allergy Conditions	Sleep apnea, sinus issues, acid reflux	Nasal obstruction and postnasal drip affect breathing and digestion
PTSD / Mental Health	Sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, GERD, migraines	Hyperarousal disrupts sleep; stress hormones affect digestion; medication side effects can cause ED and GI issues
Antidepressants / Mental Health Meds	Erectile dysfunction, weight gain, insomnia, GI distress	SSRIs/SNRIs commonly cause sexual dysfunction and metabolic side effects — document medication-induced symptoms
Chronic Pain (any)	Depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, medication side effects	Pain affects mood and sleep; NSAID use can cause GERD/stomach damage; opioids cause constipation and ED
Flat Feet / Foot Conditions	Knee pain, hip pain, low back pain, plantar fasciitis	Biomechanical chain — collapsed arches alter gait, stressing joints up the kinetic chain (ankle→knee→hip→back)
Neck / Cervical Spine	Migraines, headaches, radicular pain, TMJ	Cervical nerve compression and muscle tension can trigger tension headaches and migraines
Tinnitus / Hearing Loss	Depression, anxiety, insomnia, migraines	Constant ringing causes distress, sleep disturbance, and concentration difficulty
Diabetes / Metabolic	Neuropathy, ED, kidney disease, retinopathy, hypertension	Diabetes damages nerves, blood vessels, and organs — each complication can be claimed as secondary

BDD Program Timeline

Timeframe	Action
12+ mo out	Schedule ALL appointments — mental health, physical therapy, audiology, dermatology, anything you've been putting off. Start symptom journals.
10-12 mo out	Complete appointments, get diagnoses, follow up on referrals
6-8 mo out	Secondary appointments. Draft personal statements. Gather buddy statements.
180 days out	File BDD claim. Submit all primary conditions. File Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966).
90-180 days out	Add new conditions. Attend C&P exams. Complete Separation Health Assessment (SHA).
90 days out	Deadline to add conditions to BDD.
Discharge	Get full copy of all medical + dental records before leaving.

Tips for Every Appointment

Be thorough, not dismissive. If you minimize symptoms ("it's not that bad"), your record will reflect minimal issues. Describe your symptoms as they actually are — including on bad days.
Don't say "I'm fine" if you're not. Be honest about what you're experiencing.
Describe functional impact. "I can't do X because of Y" helps providers understand how your condition affects your daily life and work.
Use accurate medical terms. "Prostrating" (migraines), "occupational impairment" (mental health), "pain on motion" (joints) — these are real medical terms that describe real symptoms. Use them if they're accurate.
Mention all symptoms even if they seem unrelated — let your provider decide what's connected.
During ROM exams, stop at the point of pain. Don't push through pain — the measurement at the pain point reflects your actual limitation.
Bring notes. Write down your symptoms before the appointment so you don't forget anything.
Follow up on referrals within 2 weeks.
Ask your provider to document specific things. "Can you note that I have pain when bending my knee?"
Get copies of your notes after every visit via MHS Genesis / VA portal. Check for accuracy.

Key Medical Terms by Condition

Condition Category	Key Terms to Use (if they accurately describe your symptoms)
Neurological (migraines, headaches)	"Prostrating attacks," "must lie down in dark room," "unable to work," "photophobia," "phonophobia," "nausea"
Joints (knees/hips/shoulder/back)	"Pain on motion," "limited range of motion," "can't squat/kneel/reach overhead," "gives out," "locks up," "weakness"
Mental Health	"Occupational impairment," "panic attacks," "can't concentrate," "affecting relationships," "on edge," "intrusive thoughts"
Sleep Disorders	"Can't fall asleep," "wake before alarm," "exhausted during day," "affecting work"
Digestive / GI	"Abdominal pain," "urgency," "bloating," "triggered by stress," "pain when eating," "changed diet"
Respiratory / Hearing	"Ringing in ears," "noise exposure," "persistent congestion," "affects concentration"
Cardiovascular	"Elevated diastolic," "persistent elevation," "requiring medication," "uncontrolled despite treatment"

Claim Filing Strategies

How you file matters as much as what you file. The strategies below help you build the strongest possible claim with the evidence the VA needs to grant service connection and the right rating.

Primary Claims vs. Secondary Claims — When to File Each

Primary (direct) claims assert that a condition started in or was aggravated by service. You must show: (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event/injury/exposure, and (3) a medical nexus linking the two. File these first — they anchor your claim file.

Secondary claims assert that a service-connected condition caused or worsened another condition. You do not need a new in-service event — only a nexus between the already-service-connected primary and the new secondary. This is often easier to prove and is one of the most powerful ways to increase your combined rating.

File primary first when you have a clear in-service origin (injury, exposure, onset documented in records).
File secondary when a new condition is caused or worsened by an already-service-connected condition (e.g., sleep apnea secondary to PTSD, knee pain secondary to flat feet).
You can file both on the same form (VA Form 21-526EZ). Each secondary claim still needs its own nexus — typically a nexus letter or medical opinion.
Tip: If you're unsure whether a condition is primary or secondary, claim it both ways in the alternative — the VA must consider every theory of entitlement you raise.

Presumptive Conditions — What They Are and How to Use Them

A presumptive condition means the VA presumes service connection without you having to prove a direct in-service cause. If you have the condition and meet the service requirements, service connection is granted automatically.

Burn pit / airborne hazards (PACT Act): Asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis, certain cancers, and more — presumptive for veterans who served in qualifying locations after 9/11.
Agent Orange: Diabetes Type 2, ischemic heart disease, Parkinson's, several cancers, and more — presumptive for Vietnam-era and certain Korea/Thailand veterans.
Gulf War undiagnosed illness: Chronic multisymptom illness, functional GI disorders, sleep disturbances, fatigue — presumptive for Gulf War veterans.
Former POW: Psychosis, anxiety, dysthymic disorder, heart disease, stroke — presumptive for former POWs.
Radiation exposure: Certain cancers — presumptive for atomic veterans.

How to use presumptives: Check the VA presumptive lists for your service era and locations. If you have a presumptive condition, you do not need a nexus letter for that condition — you only need a current diagnosis and qualifying service. This removes the hardest part of proving service connection. If your condition is on a presumptive list, say so explicitly in your claim: "I am claiming [condition] as presumptive under [PACT Act / Agent Orange / Gulf War] presumptive conditions for my service in [location/dates]."

→ PACT Act information (va.gov)

How to Write a Strong Personal Statement (Buddy Statement Template)

A personal statement (VA Form 21-4142 or a free-form statement statement) tells your story in your own words. It fills gaps your medical records don't cover — how your condition started, how it affects your daily life, and what changed. A buddy statement is the same thing written by someone who served with you or knows you well (spouse, friend, coworker, family member).

What makes a strong statement:

Be specific and factual — dates, locations, events. "On [date] during [training/deployment], I [describe what happened]."
Describe the onset or aggravation — when symptoms started or got worse, and what triggered them.
Explain the functional impact — how the condition affects your work, relationships, sleep, daily activities. This is what raters look for.
Connect to service — name the in-service event, exposure, or injury. For secondary claims, name the primary condition.
Keep it under 2 pages — be concise. Raters read hundreds of these.
Be honest — never exaggerate or fabricate. False statements are punishable under 18 U.S.C. § 1001.

Buddy statement template (written by a fellow service member, spouse, or friend):

"I am submitting this statement in support of [veteran's full name]'s claim for [condition name]. I [served with / have known] [veteran] for [X years] as [relationship — squadmate, spouse, coworker]. During [deployment/training/period of service], I personally observed [describe the in-service event or symptom onset — e.g., "he twisted his knee during a ruck march on [date] and limped for weeks after"]. I also observed that [describe ongoing impact — e.g., "he has not been able to run without pain since that day" or "her migraines became frequent and severe after the blast exposure in [year]"]. To my knowledge, this began during service and has continued. I am willing to be contacted if needed."

C&P Exam Preparation Checklist

A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is the VA's evaluation of your condition. The examiner's report heavily influences your rating. Prepare thoroughly:

Review your condition notes on the Conditions page — know your diagnoses, dates, and symptoms cold.
Write down your top 3-5 symptoms for each condition being examined. Don't rely on memory under stress.
Bring your symptom journal if you keep one (migraines, sleep, pain, anxiety) — concrete dates and frequencies are powerful.
Know your functional impact — be ready to describe exactly how the condition affects your work, daily life, and relationships.
Don't minimize. Describe your worst days, not your best. If you say "it's not that bad," the examiner will document minimal impairment.
During ROM exams, stop at the point of pain. Do not push through — the measurement at the pain point is what counts.
Be honest but thorough. Don't exaggerate, but don't under-report either. Report every symptom you actually have.
Bring a copy of your medical records and any imaging/lab reports relevant to the condition.
Bring a list of all medications and note any side effects you experience.
Bring a buddy or spouse if possible — they can remind you of symptoms you forget and corroborate functional impact.
After the exam, request a copy of the examiner's report and check it for accuracy. Errors are common and fixable.

Rating Maximization Strategies

Getting service-connected is step one. Getting the right rating is what determines your monthly compensation. These strategies help you avoid under-claiming and document the severity the VA rater needs to see.

How the Bilateral Factor Works (with Example)

The bilateral factor adds 10% to the combined rating of paired extremities (both arms, both legs) before they're combined with the rest of your body. This accounts for the compounding effect of having disability in both sides of a limb pair.

How it works:

Combine all bilateral extremity ratings using the VA "remaining efficiency" method (largest first, each subtracts from what's left).
Add 10% of that subtotal as the bilateral factor.
Combine the result with all non-bilateral conditions.

Example: Left knee 10% + Right knee 10% + Left hip 10% + Right foot 10%.

Step	Calculation	Result
Combine bilateral ratings (10+10+10+10)	100 → 90 → 81 → 72.9 → 65.61	34.4% combined
Add 10% bilateral factor	34.4 × 0.10 = 3.4	34.4 + 3.4 = 37.8% → 38%
Combine with non-bilateral (e.g., back 20%)	100 → 80 (back) → 80 × 0.62 = 49.6 remaining	50.4% → rounds to 50%

Key takeaway: Marking conditions as bilateral matters — that extra 10% factor compounds with every bilateral condition you have. Always check the "bilateral" box for paired extremities (both knees, both hips, both feet, both shoulders, both ankles). Arms and legs count; the back, neck, and head do not.

Claim Conditions at the Right Level — Don't Under-Claim

Many veterans under-claim by describing only their mildest symptoms or by not knowing the full rating criteria. The VA rates based on the evidence in your file — if your records only show mild symptoms, you get a mild rating, even if your real condition is more severe.

Read the rating criteria for your condition in 38 CFR Part 4 (linked on the Resources page). Know exactly what symptoms and findings correspond to each rating level.
Document toward the level you actually are, not the level you hope for or the level you're currently rated. If your migraines are prostrating and frequent, document prostrating and frequent — don't just say "headaches."
Get the objective measurements raters need: ROM for joints, FEV-1 for asthma, audiogram for hearing, sleep study for apnea, BP logs for hypertension. Without objective data, you get the lowest defensible rating.
Claim every symptom, not just the main one. A knee condition may have pain, instability, AND radiculopathy — each can be rated separately if separately diagnosable.
Ask your provider to document severity in the terms the rating schedule uses. "Can you note that my migraines are prostrating and force me to lie down?" "Can you document that my knee gives out on stairs?"

Common Mistakes That Reduce Ratings

Minimizing symptoms. Saying "it's not that bad" or "I'm fine" during appointments. Your record reflects what you say — if you minimize, you get a minimal rating. Describe your worst days honestly.
Not documenting functional impact. Raters need to know how the condition affects your life and work. "I can't [activity] because of [condition]" is the formula. Without functional impact, you get a low rating even with a solid diagnosis.
Pushing through pain during ROM exams. The examiner measures at the point you stop. If you push through pain, you get a higher ROM measurement and a lower rating. Stop at pain.
Not claiming secondaries. If a primary condition causes or worsens another condition, the secondary is separately ratable. Missing secondaries is the single biggest source of under-rating.
Not getting objective evidence. Pain alone is ratable but at a low level. ROM measurements, imaging, sleep studies, audiograms, and lab results support higher ratings.
Not checking your records for accuracy. Provider notes often under-document what you actually reported. Read every note after every visit and request corrections.
Missing the BDD window. Filing after discharge means a longer wait and potentially a later effective date. The BDD program (180-90 days before discharge) is the fastest path.
Not submitting an Intent to File. VA Form 21-0966 preserves your effective date for up to a year while you gather evidence. Skip this and you may lose months of back pay.

Personal Statement Template (Editable)

Use this template as a starting point for your VA Form 21-4142 personal statement. Edit it with your specific details, then print or copy it to submit with your claim. Keep it under 2 pages.

I am requesting a disability rating for [condition name]. This condition began [when it started — e.g., during a deployment to [location] in [year] / after an injury during training on [date] / gradually during my service as [describe the activity that caused or worsened it]]. It affects my ability to [describe functional impact — e.g., lift more than 30 lbs, sleep through the night, concentrate at work, walk more than 15 minutes without pain]. I have sought treatment including [list treatments — e.g., physical therapy from [date], medication ([names]), mental health counseling since [date], surgery on [date]]. My symptoms include [list symptoms accurately — e.g., sharp pain when bending, ringing in both ears, panic attacks 2-3 times per week, headaches that force me to lie down in a dark room]. This condition has impacted my daily life by [describe impact — e.g., I can no longer run for PT, I avoid social situations, my spouse says I'm not the same, I miss work approximately X days per month]. I believe this condition is [service-connected / secondary to my service-connected [primary condition]] and request it be evaluated accordingly.

Reminder: Only include statements that are true. Fill in the brackets with your real experience. Do not exaggerate or fabricate. False statements in VA claims are punishable under 18 U.S.C. § 1001.

🗣️ Appointment Preparation

Why Key Terms Matter

Many service members under-report their symptoms because they don't know the specific medical terms their providers need to hear. This isn't about exaggerating — it's about accurately describing your real symptoms using the vocabulary that maps to VA rating criteria. If you have prostrating migraines but just say "I get headaches," your provider may not document the severity accurately.

Below are key terms and example descriptions for common conditions. Use these as a reference to help you describe your actual symptoms accurately. Fill in the brackets with your real experience — don't say anything that isn't true. The goal is accurate documentation, not exaggeration.

Honesty Is Not Optional

These key terms and examples exist to help you accurately communicate symptoms you actually have. Do not claim symptoms you don't experience. Do not exaggerate severity. False statements in VA claims are punishable by law (18 U.S.C. § 1001) and can result in fraud charges, loss of benefits, and criminal penalties. Be thorough — be honest.

Key Terms & Example Descriptions

Below are key medical terms and example descriptions grouped by category. These are editable templates — click any category to expand it, then edit the text with your actual experience. Fill in the brackets with your real symptoms. Your edits save automatically in your browser. Use the "Reset" button to restore the original template.

📋 How to use: Click a category to expand it. Edit the example to match your real symptoms. Print the page or copy the text to bring with you to your appointment. Only use terms that accurately describe your actual experience.

✅ Quick Prep Checklist — Before Any Appointment

Review this checklist before every medical appointment. It takes 10 minutes and ensures you don't forget anything important. Click each item to mark it done.

☐ Review your condition notes on the Conditions page — know your diagnoses, dates, symptoms, and rating goals for the conditions being discussed.
☐ Write down your top 3 symptoms to discuss — don't rely on memory. List the symptoms that bother you most or have changed since last visit.
☐ Note any changes since your last visit — new symptoms, worsening symptoms, new triggers, medications stopped or started, side effects experienced.
☐ Bring your medication list — including dosages, frequency, and when you started/stopped each. Note any side effects you're experiencing.
☐ Plan to ask for specific documentation — decide what you want the provider to note (e.g., "Please document that my knee gives out on stairs" or "Please note my migraines are prostrating"). Write these requests down.
☐ Bring your symptom journal if you keep one — migraines, sleep, pain, anxiety. Concrete dates and frequencies carry weight.
☐ Get copies of your notes after the visit — check MHS Genesis / VA portal within 48 hours. Verify the provider accurately documented what you reported. Request corrections if needed.
☐ Follow up on referrals within 2 weeks — don't let consults expire. Call to schedule as soon as they're placed.

Mental Health / Behavioral Health

Key terms: "occupational impairment," "panic attacks," "can't concentrate," "affecting relationships," "on edge constantly," "intrusive thoughts," "sleep impaired." Use these terms if they accurately describe what you're experiencing — they map to what providers need to document for an accurate rating.

Neurological (Migraines / Headaches)

Key term: "PROSTRATING" — this is the specific medical term the VA uses for migraines that force you to stop all activity and lie down. If your migraines truly are prostrating, use this word. For 50%: "very frequent," "completely prostrating," "prolonged," "severe economic inadaptability" (missed work).

Musculoskeletal (Joints / Back / Extremities)

Important: During range-of-motion (ROM) measurements, don't push through pain. Stop at the point where pain begins — that's the measurement that reflects your actual limitation. Pushing through pain gives an inaccurate measurement that doesn't capture your real condition.

Sleep Disorders

If sleep apnea diagnosed with CPAP → 50%. Without CPAP → 30%. Claim as secondary to mental health if applicable.

Digestive / GI Conditions

Key terms: "abdominal pain," "urgency," "bloating," "triggered by stress," "pain when eating," "regurgitation," "changed diet." Mention frequency (≥1 day/week for higher ratings).

Hearing / Auditory

Cardiovascular / Hypertension

Key terms: "elevated diastolic," "persistent elevation," "requiring medication," "uncontrolled despite treatment."

Respiratory (Asthma / Sinusitis / Rhinitis)

Key terms: "wheezing," "shortness of breath," "chronic congestion," "nasal obstruction," "postnasal drip," "requires daily medication." Asthma rated by FEV-1 or attack frequency. Rhinitis 10-30% by obstruction. Sinusitis 0-50% by episode frequency.

Skin Conditions (Scars / Dermatitis / Eczema)

Key terms: "disfigurement," "painful scar," "restricts motion," "requires ongoing treatment," "visible on exposed areas." Take color photos for your claim file. Scars rated by size, location, and whether they're painful or unstable.

Genitourinary / Erectile Dysfunction

Note: ED is rated 0% but qualifies for SMC-K (~$140/month extra). Claim as secondary to mental health or medication side effects if applicable.

Endocrine / Metabolic (Diabetes / Thyroid)

Key terms: "elevated blood glucose," "requires medication/insulin," "poorly controlled," "toxic exposure." Diabetes Type 2 is presumptive for Agent Orange and burn pit exposure.

Neurological (Nerve Damage / Sciatica / Neuropathy)

Key terms: "numbness," "paresthesia," "radiating pain," "motor weakness," "loss of sensation," "incomplete paralysis." Claim as secondary to back/spine conditions if applicable. Rated 10-80% depending on severity.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Cognitive

Key terms: "cognitive impairment," "memory deficits," "executive dysfunction," "post-concussion syndrome," "blast exposure." TBI rated 0-100% based on cognitive impairment and physical symptoms. Often co-occurs with PTSD.

Dental / Oral Conditions

Key terms: "temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)," "limited opening," "pain on chewing," "missing teeth," "malocclusion." Dental conditions are claimable if they began or worsened during service. TMJ rated 10-50% by limitation of motion.

Eye / Vision Conditions

Key terms: "blurred vision," "difficulty focusing," "light sensitivity (photophobia)," "eye strain," "visual disturbances," "reduced visual acuity." Vision conditions rated by corrected acuity, field of vision, and functional impairment. Claim as secondary to TBI, migraines, or diabetes if applicable.

Chronic Pain / Fibromyalgia

Key terms: "widespread pain," "tender points," "chronic fatigue," "sleep disturbance," "cognitive difficulties (fibro fog)," "widespread musculoskeletal pain." Fibromyalgia rated 10-40% by the number of tender points, widespread pain, and associated symptoms. Claim as secondary to mental health, trauma, or another service-connected condition if applicable.

Hematology / Blood Disorders

Key terms: "anemia symptoms," "fatigue," "bruising," "bleeding episodes," "blood count abnormalities," "requires ongoing monitoring." Blood disorders rated by severity, transfusion requirements, and functional impact. Claim as secondary to toxic exposure, medication side effects, or another service-connected condition if applicable.

Autoimmune Conditions

Key terms: "joint inflammation," "flare-ups," "systemic symptoms," "autoantibodies," "organ involvement," "requires immunosuppressive therapy." Autoimmune conditions rated by joint involvement, organ damage, and functional impairment. Claim as secondary to toxic exposure if applicable. Keep a flare-up journal with dates, duration, and severity.

Infectious Disease / Post-Deployment

Key terms: "chronic symptoms," "parasite exposure," "tropical disease," "post-deployment screening," "undiagnosed illness," "Gulf War syndrome." Post-deployment infectious diseases and undiagnosed illnesses may be presumptive under the PACT Act or Gulf War presumptives. Report all chronic symptoms even if unexplained — Gulf War undiagnosed illness covers multisymptom conditions.

📤 MHS Genesis Records Export Guide

Why You Need Your Medical Records

Your full medical record is the single most valuable document for your VA disability claim. You'll need it for:

VSO meetings: Bring a complete copy so your VSO can identify every claimable condition
BDD filing: The BDD program requires your service treatment records and full medical history
Personal backup: Once you separate, access to MHS Genesis becomes much harder — download everything before you leave
Accuracy check: Review provider notes to ensure they accurately reflect what you reported

📋 Step-by-Step: Exporting from MHS Genesis

MHS Genesis is the military health system portal. Follow these steps to download your records.

1Go to myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil and log in with your CAC
2Navigate to "Health Record" → "Summary"
3Select "Health Summary"
4Choose the date range — recommend: from first day of service to present
5Download as PDF — this is your primary document. It should contain your problem list, encounter notes, medications, immunizations, profiles, and referral history
6Also download any imaging reports (MRI, X-ray, CT) and lab results separately — these may not be in the Health Summary
7Save everything in a folder organized by date

🗂️ What to Export

The Health Summary PDF is your primary document — it should contain your problem list (all diagnoses with dates), encounter notes from every visit, medication history, immunization record, physical profiles / duty limitations, and consult / referral history all in one file.

In addition to the Health Summary, download these separately (they may not be included in the Summary):

Imaging reports — MRI, X-ray, CT (the written reports, not the image files)
Lab results — blood work, cultures, pathology, etc.

Verify your Health Summary includes everything else by reviewing it after download. If any sections are missing, export those separately as well.

🔒 Privacy Note

Your medical records are sensitive. You can store them securely on your device and share them with your VSO. If you want AI analysis, the AI Analysis page can process your Health Summary PDF — but this is optional and your data will be sent to an AI service. The choice is yours.

🤖 A Note About AI Analysis of Your Records

This tracker includes an optional AI Analysis feature that can read your Health Summary PDF and identify claimable conditions automatically. When you use it, your records are sent to an AI service (Anthropic/Claude) for processing. This is optional — you can always add conditions manually. A VSO can also help you identify claimable conditions for free.

✅ Export Checklist

Track your progress. This checklist saves automatically in your browser.

🤝 Find a VSO Near You

What is a VSO?

A Veterans Service Organization (VSO) provides free help with VA disability claims. VSO representatives are trained and accredited by the VA to file claims, gather evidence, and represent you in appeals. They don't charge for their services. Using a VSO is strongly recommended — they know the system and can significantly improve your chances of a successful claim.

🎯 Best Way to Find a VSO: VA's Official Search Tool

The VA has an official tool to search for accredited representatives by location, name, or organization. This is the most reliable way to find a vetted, accredited VSO near you.

→ Open VA Accredited Representative Finder

Search by ZIP code, city, or "use my location." Filter by type (VSO representative, attorney, or claims agent). Shows contact info and distance.

Major VSO Organizations — Find a Local Chapter

Click any organization to find a local chapter, post, or office near you. All provide free claims assistance.

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

Largest — specializes in disability claims

Free

DAV is one of the most respected VSOs for disability claims. Their National Service Officers (NSOs) are highly trained in VA claims and appeals.

Find Your Local DAV Office — search by ZIP code
DAV Chapter Locator — interactive map
Phone: 1-877-426-2838
Website: dav.org

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

Combat veterans — strong claims advocacy

Free

VFW has accredited service officers at posts nationwide. They handle claims, appeals, and congressional advocacy for veterans' benefits.

Find a VFW Post Near You — search by ZIP or state
Phone: 1-816-756-3390
Website: vfw.org

The American Legion

Largest VSO by membership — full-service

Free

The American Legion has service officers at every level — local posts, county, state, and national. They handle claims, appeals, and benefits counseling.

Find an American Legion Post — search by location
Phone: 1-800-433-3318
Website: legion.org

AMVETS

All veterans welcome — claims & advocacy

Free

AMVETS provides VA claims filing assistance, employment help, and advocacy for all veterans regardless of combat service.

Find an AMVETS Post
Phone: 1-800-810-7148
Website: amvets.org

Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)

Specializes in spinal cord injury & severe disability

Free

PVA specializes in claims for veterans with spinal cord injury or disease, MS, and other severe mobility-related disabilities. Their national service officers are experts in complex claims.

Find a PVA Chapter
Phone: 1-800-424-8200
Website: pva.org

Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)

All-era service — claims & advocacy

Free

VVA provides claims assistance and advocacy. Despite the name, they serve veterans from all eras.

Find a VVA Chapter
Phone: 1-301-585-4000
Website: vva.org

How to Choose a VSO

Verify accreditation: Use the VA's search tool to confirm they're accredited
It should be free: Legitimate VSOs never charge for claims assistance. If someone asks for payment, walk away.
Check responsiveness: A good VSO returns calls within a few days and keeps you updated
Meet in person if possible: Bring your tracker data (export it) and medical records
You can switch VSOs: If yours isn't responsive, you can appoint a different one at any time

⚠️ Watch Out for Predatory Claims Companies

Some for-profit companies charge thousands of dollars for "claims coaching" or take a percentage of your back pay. A legitimate VSO (VFW, DAV, American Legion, etc.) provides this service for free. If a company pressures you to sign a contract or pay upfront, be very cautious. VA-accredited attorneys can only charge fees on appeals, not initial claims.

📚 VA Resources & Key Links

A curated list of the most useful VA resources for service members transitioning out and filing disability claims. All links open in a new tab.

🚨 Crisis Support — 24/7

Veterans Crisis Line

If you're in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, help is available right now — free, confidential, 24/7.

Call: 988, then press 1
Text: 838255
Chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat
TTY: 1-800-799-4889

You don't have to be enrolled in VA health care or have a VA disability rating to use the Crisis Line. All veterans and service members qualify.

📋 Filing Your Claim

Resource	What It Does	Link
VA Disability Compensation	Main page for filing, managing, and appealing disability claims	va.gov/disability
BDD Program (Pre-Discharge)	File your claim 180-90 days before separation for fastest processing	BDD Program Info
File a Claim Online	VA Form 21-526EZ — file your disability claim electronically	File on VA.gov
Intent to File	VA Form 21-0966 — reserves your effective date while you gather evidence	Submit Intent to File
VA Accredited Representative Finder	Find a free VSO to help file your claim	Find a VSO
Claim Status Check	Check the status of your filed disability claim	Check Claim Status

🧠 Mental Health Resources

Resource	What It Does	Link
VA Mental Health	Comprehensive mental health services, treatment options, getting started	mentalhealth.va.gov
PTSD Treatment	VA's National Center for PTSD — information, treatment, self-screening	ptsd.va.gov
Vet Centers	Free, confidential counseling for combat vets and their families — community-based, not in VA hospitals	Find a Vet Center
MakeTheConnection	Veterans sharing their mental health stories and resources	MakeTheConnection.net

🎓 Education & Employment

Resource	What It Does	Link
GI Bill Benefits	Apply for and manage education benefits, check payment rates	va.gov/education
GI Bill Comparison Tool	Compare schools and programs by GI Bill value	GI Bill Comparison Tool
Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)	Chapter 31 — career counseling, training, job placement for vets with service-connected disabilities	VR&E / Chapter 31
VA Employment Center	Job search, resume tools, skills translator	VA Careers & Employment

🏥 Health Care

Resource	What It Does	Link
VA Health Care Application	Apply for VA health care (VA Form 10-10EZ)	Apply for VA Health Care
Find a VA Facility	Search for VA hospitals, clinics, vet centers by location	VA Facility Finder
VA Health Benefits Handbook	Understand your VA health care benefits	VA Health Benefits

🏠 Housing & Financial

Resource	What It Does	Link
VA Home Loans	Buy, build, or refinance a home with no down payment	VA Home Loans
SAH/SHA Housing Grants	Grants for disabled vets to adapt homes for accessibility	Disability Housing Grants
VA Pension	Monthly benefit for wartime vets with limited income	VA Pension

🔄 Transition Assistance

Resource	What It Does	Link
Transition Assistance Program (TAP)	Mandatory transition program — VA benefits briefing, career prep	TAP Program
Service Member Benefits	VA's main page for separating/retiring service members	Service Member Benefits
SkillBridge	DoD program — civilian job training/internship during last 6 months of service	SkillBridge Program
VA Solid Start	Support for newly separated vets in their first year	VA Solid Start

📞 Key Phone Numbers

Service	Number
VA Main Line (MyVA311)	1-800-698-2411
VA Benefits (general)	1-800-827-1000
Veterans Crisis Line	988, then press 1
Veterans Crisis Line (text)	Text 838255
Homeless Veterans Hotline	1-877-424-3838
Military OneSource	1-800-342-9647
National Resource Directory	nrd.gov

📖 Self-Education

Resource	What It Does	Link
38 CFR Part 4 (Rating Schedule)	The actual VA regulation that defines all disability ratings — read the source	eCFR 38 CFR Part 4
VA Accredited Rep FAQ	How to find and work with accredited representatives	VA Rep FAQ
VA Claims Forms	All VA disability and claims forms in one place	Find VA Forms
MHS Genesis Patient Portal	Access your military medical records (active duty)	myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil

Pro Tip: File Intent to File Early

Even if you're not ready to file your full claim, submit an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) as soon as you're within 180 days of discharge. This reserves your effective date — meaning you can get back pay from that date once your claim is approved. You then have up to 1 year to complete your claim. Don't skip this step.

📧 Contact Us

Found a bug? Have a feature request? Want to give feedback? Send us a message.

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ℹ️ About This Tool

🔒 100% Private — Your Data Stays in Your Browser

This tool runs entirely in your browser. No accounts, no servers, no tracking, no analytics. Your medical data is stored only in your browser's local storage. You can export it to a file and import it later — but it never goes anywhere unless you choose to send it.

What This Tool Does

Tracks your conditions: Name, diagnosis date, status, estimated rating, bilateral status, secondary links
Calculates your combined VA rating: Uses the official VA "whole body remaining efficiency" formula, including the bilateral factor
Provides key medical terms: Condition-specific terminology and example descriptions to help you accurately communicate your symptoms to providers
Strategy guide: BDD timeline, secondary claim mapping, key terms, universal appointment tips
VSO finder: Directories to locate free, VA-accredited representatives near you
Resource directory: Curated links to VA services, crisis support, mental health, education, housing, and transition programs
Condition templates: Quick-add from 25+ common VA disability conditions with rating criteria pre-filled
Export / Import: Save your data to a file and reload it later or on another device
AI analysis: Upload your Health Summary PDF to identify all claimable conditions automatically (sends data to AI service — see privacy warning)

What This Tool Does NOT Do

It does NOT file claims for you
It does NOT provide legal advice or medical advice
It does NOT sync across devices automatically (use Export/Import to move data between devices)
It does NOT guarantee any rating outcome
It is NOT a substitute for a VSO, VA-accredited attorney, or claims agent
It does NOT require AI analysis — manual entry with 25+ templates is always available

⚠️ Disclaimer

This is a planning and educational tool only. It does not provide legal advice and is not a substitute for a VA-accredited representative. VA disability ratings depend on many factors that this tool cannot evaluate — including C&P exam results, medical evidence, service connection, and VA adjudication. Always consult a VSO (VFW, DAV, American Legion), VA-accredited attorney, or claims agent for claim decisions.

Rating criteria are based on 38 CFR Part 4 and public VA resources. This tool is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

How to Use

Add your conditions on the Conditions page — use templates for common conditions or add custom ones
Set estimated ratings based on your symptoms and the rating criteria shown for each condition
Check the Calculator to see your estimated combined rating
Review the Strategy page for BDD timeline, secondary claim ideas, and key medical terms
Use the Appointment Prep page to learn the key terms for your conditions — review them before appointments and bring notes
Export your data regularly as backup

Tips for Maximizing Your Rating

Document everything while still in service — every visit, every symptom, every referral
Seek mental health care if you have symptoms — mental health conditions are often rated highly and can anchor secondary claims. Don't put off that appointment.
Get ROM measurements for all joint conditions — this is what the VA rates on, not just pain
Be thorough about symptom severity — if you downplay symptoms ("it's not that bad"), your record will reflect minimal issues. Describe how symptoms actually affect you.
Claim secondaries — if a primary condition causes or worsens another, claim it as secondary
Keep symptom journals — migraines, sleep problems, digestive issues, anxiety/depression, anything that fluctuates
Check your medical records after every visit for accuracy

Clear All Data

This will permanently delete all your tracked conditions and data from this browser. Export first if you want to keep a copy.

🚀 Get Started — Build Your VA Disability Plan

🔒 Unlock AI Analysis — $10

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📁 Section A: Upload Medical Records

📝 Section B: Your Notes (optional but recommended)

🔒 Upload your records after unlocking AI analysis

⚠️ Privacy Warning

✅ Ready to Analyze?

📊 Dashboard

🚀 Get Started — Analyze Your Medical Records

💾 Don't lose your data — Export a backup!

👋 Welcome to your VA Disability Tracker

Your Conditions at a Glance

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✅ To-Do List

📋 My Conditions

⚠️ Privacy Warning

No conditions added yet

🧮 VA Combined Rating Calculator

Enter Your Estimated Ratings

No conditions to calculate

Result

How VA Math Works

🎯 Strategy — Path to Maximizing Your Rating

VA Combined Ratings Math

Secondary Claims — Multiply Your Rating

What is a secondary claim?

BDD Program Timeline

Tips for Every Appointment

Key Medical Terms by Condition

Claim Filing Strategies

Rating Maximization Strategies

🗣️ Appointment Preparation

Why Key Terms Matter

Honesty Is Not Optional

Key Terms & Example Descriptions

📤 MHS Genesis Records Export Guide

Why You Need Your Medical Records

📋 Step-by-Step: Exporting from MHS Genesis

🗂️ What to Export

🔒 Privacy Note

🤖 A Note About AI Analysis of Your Records

✅ Export Checklist

🤝 Find a VSO Near You

What is a VSO?

🎯 Best Way to Find a VSO: VA's Official Search Tool

Major VSO Organizations — Find a Local Chapter

How to Choose a VSO

⚠️ Watch Out for Predatory Claims Companies

📚 VA Resources & Key Links

🚨 Crisis Support — 24/7

Veterans Crisis Line

📋 Filing Your Claim

🧠 Mental Health Resources

🎓 Education & Employment

🏥 Health Care

🏠 Housing & Financial

🔄 Transition Assistance

📞 Key Phone Numbers

📖 Self-Education

Pro Tip: File Intent to File Early

📧 Contact Us

ℹ️ About This Tool

🔒 100% Private — Your Data Stays in Your Browser

What This Tool Does

What This Tool Does NOT Do

⚠️ Disclaimer

How to Use

Tips for Maximizing Your Rating

Clear All Data

Add Condition

Add from Template — Common VA Disability Conditions

Add To-Do

🔒 Unlock AI Analysis