VA Disability Claim Exhibit Guide

Service records

• DD-214

  Your discharge document showing dates of service, MOS, and character of discharge

• Service treatment records (STRs)

  Medical records from your time in service -- request from the National Personnel Records Center if you do not have them

• Personnel records

  Service record book entries, performance evaluations, and awards

• Deployment records

  Orders, deployment history, and any hazardous duty documentation

• Line of duty determinations

  LOD reports for injuries that occurred during service

Medical nexus evidence

• Nexus letter from a doctor

  A letter from a physician stating that your current condition is "at least as likely as not" related to your service

• Independent medical opinion (IMO)

  A paid medical opinion from a doctor who reviewed your records and can explain the connection

• Treating physician records

  Current medical records showing your diagnosis, symptoms, and ongoing treatment

• Medical literature

  Published studies or VA research supporting the connection between your service and your condition

Compensation and Pension exam

• C&P exam results

  The VA exam report -- request a copy and review it for errors or omissions

• Disability benefits questionnaire (DBQ)

  The standardized form the examiner fills out for your specific condition

• Your notes from the exam

  Write down what happened during the C&P exam immediately after: how long it lasted, what tests were done, what you told the examiner

• Prior C&P exam reports

  If this is not your first claim, keep all previous exam reports to show changes over time

Buddy statements and lay evidence

• Buddy statements

  Written statements from fellow service members who witnessed your injury or saw your symptoms during service

• Spouse or family statements

  Letters from family describing how your condition affects daily life -- specific examples matter more than general claims

• Employer statements

  Letters from supervisors or coworkers about how your disability affects your ability to work

• Personal statement

  Your own written account of the in-service event and how your condition has progressed since

Appeals process

• Rating decision

  The VA's written decision showing what was granted, denied, and the assigned ratings

• Statement of the case (SOC)

  The detailed document the VA issues after you file a Notice of Disagreement

• Supplemental claim evidence

  New and relevant evidence you are submitting with a supplemental claim under 38 C.F.R. section 3.156

• Board of Veterans' Appeals hearing request

  Your request for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge, either in person, by video, or on the record

• Higher-Level Review election

  If you chose the HLR lane, your election form and any informal conference notes

What is service connection and how do I prove it?

Service connection means the VA agrees your disability is related to your military service. Under 38 C.F.R. section 3.303, you need three things: a current medical diagnosis, evidence of an event, injury, or disease during service, and a medical nexus opinion linking the current condition to the in-service event. The VA applies the benefit-of-the-doubt standard under 38 U.S.C. section 5107(b), meaning if the evidence for and against your claim is roughly equal, you win.

What is a nexus letter and why do I need one?

A nexus letter is a medical opinion from a doctor stating that your current disability is connected to your military service. The letter should say your condition is "at least as likely as not" caused by or aggravated by service. Any licensed physician can write one, but doctors familiar with VA claims write more effective letters. A good nexus letter references your service treatment records, explains the medical reasoning, and cites relevant medical literature. Without one, the VA rarely grants service connection.

How do I write an effective buddy statement?

A buddy statement is a written account from someone who witnessed your injury, symptoms, or condition during or after service. Use VA Form 21-10210. Include the witness's full name, relationship to you, dates and locations of observations, and specific details about what they saw. "I served with PFC Jones in the 3rd Platoon, B Co, 1-502 IN from August 2006 to August 2007. I personally saw him fall from the LMTV on October 12, 2006, at FOB Kalsu and heard him report back pain to the medic that same day." Specific is better than general.

What is the difference between a BVA hearing, Higher-Level Review, and Supplemental Claim?

After a denial, you have three appeal lanes under the Appeals Modernization Act. A Supplemental Claim lets you submit new and relevant evidence for a fresh review. Higher-Level Review is a second look by a senior reviewer at the same evidence -- no new evidence allowed, but you can request an informal conference. A BVA appeal goes to a Veterans Law Judge who can hold a hearing and consider new evidence. Each has different timelines: supplemental claims average 4-5 months, HLR about 4-5 months, and BVA appeals can take 1-2 years.

What is TDIU and when should I apply?

Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) pays you at the 100 percent rate even if your combined rating is less than 100 percent. Under 38 C.F.R. section 4.16, you qualify if you have one disability rated at 60 percent or more, or a combined rating of 70 percent with at least one disability at 40 percent, and you cannot maintain substantially gainful employment because of your service-connected conditions. Apply using VA Form 21-8940 and include employment history, employer statements, and your doctor's opinion on your ability to work.