01 / VA Disability
VA disability, understood.
VA disability is the most complex area of veteran benefits, and the most consequential. This section teaches veterans to understand the case behind the claim: the medical evidence, the legal rules, and the strategy that connect them.
02 / Start With the Framework
Every topic connects to the 3 Dimensions.
Every hub in this section answers the same six questions: What is this? Why does it matter? What should a veteran understand? What commonly causes confusion? Which dimensions are involved? Where can the veteran learn more?
The hubs teach the reasoning behind the framework. They are not step-by-step claim playbooks.
Medical Evidence
Evidence
What the medical facts show.
Legal Framework
Rules
What rules govern those facts.
Strategic Execution
Direction
How to think about development.
03 / Topic Hubs
Choose a topic.
- New Claims A new claim is the first formal request for VA disability compensation for a condition. It is where most veterans begin, and it is also where the most common misunderstanding starts: filing is not the same as developing. Guide
- Medical Evidence Medical evidence is the factual foundation of every VA disability claim. It is what the law is applied to: the diagnosis, the severity, the functional impact, and the documentation that shows them. Guide
- Secondary Conditions A secondary condition is a condition that is caused or aggravated by a service-connected condition. It is a distinct legal route to service connection for veterans who already have a rating. Guide
- Increased Ratings An increased rating is a request to raise the disability rating for a condition that has already been granted service connection. It asks VA to evaluate the current severity of the condition. Guide
- C&P Examinations A Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination is a VA medical examination used to evaluate a claimed condition. It is one piece of evidence, not the final word. Guide
- VA Rating Criteria VA rating criteria are the regulatory standards VA uses to assign disability ratings. They describe what each level of severity looks like for a given condition. Guide
- VA Decision Letters A VA decision letter is the written explanation of VA's decision on a claim. It states what was decided, why, and what the veteran can do next. Guide
- Supplemental Claims A Supplemental Claim is a review option that allows a veteran to submit new and relevant evidence after a decision. It is one of several lanes under the modernized review system. Guide
- Higher-Level Review A Higher-Level Review is a review option where a senior VA reviewer looks at the existing record without new evidence. It is one of the lanes in the modernized review system. Guide
- Board Appeals A Board Appeal is a review of a decision by the Board of Veterans' Appeals, the administrative body that hears appeals of VA decisions. It is the most formal of the administrative review lanes. Guide
In development
The Veteran's Bearing is built to expand. These topics are part of the roadmap and will be added to the education as they are developed.
- Effective Dates Planned
- VA Regulations Planned
- VA Case Law Planned
- PACT Act & Toxic Exposure Planned
- TDIU Planned
Next step
Not sure which topic fits your situation?
Start Here routes you by situation instead of by regulation. It is the fastest way to find the education that matches where you are.