VA claims lane
A claims-focused route for organizing conditions, timelines, records, C&P preparation, appeal readiness, and packet next steps.
Where are you in the process?
VetOps helps you organize your file — it doesn't file the claim for you, provide legal representation, or promise results.
Do this today: file an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) at va.gov — five minutes, locks your back-pay date for a year while you build the claim. A winning claim needs three things: a current diagnosis, an in-service event or exposure, and a medical link (nexus) between them. PACT Act presumptive conditions skip the nexus entirely. Then file Form 21-526EZ with every condition on one claim.
Same 526EZ, different evidence: recent treatment notes showing the condition got worse, missed work, and daily-function impact. Don't stop at increases — each service-connected condition can cause new ones (knee → hip/back, PTSD → sleep apnea, tinnitus → migraines), and secondaries only need a nexus to the rated condition, not to service. Know that a re-evaluation can also lower an unprotected rating if the evidence shows improvement.
You have one year from the decision date — after that the rating is final and you start over. Three lanes: Supplemental Claim (20-0995) when you have new evidence, Higher-Level Review (20-0996) when VA misread the evidence it already had, or a Board appeal (10182) for a judge. Picking the wrong lane costs months.
Statements are evidence too: your own story on Form 21-4138, witnesses on 21-10210 (buddy/lay statements), and 21-4142 to let VA pull your private medical records. Work the evidence checklist below before you file — a complete file at submission beats a year of development letters.
A claim is easier to review when the record shows what happened, what changed, who treated it, and how it affects daily function.
C&P and appeal readiness
Answer truthfully at every step, and lean on your official VA notices or an accredited VSO when you need help.
Organize symptoms, flare-ups, functional limits, medications, and treatment history before the exam.
Track decision dates, denial reasons, new evidence, HLR limits, and Board docket considerations.
Use VA.gov, accredited representatives, VSOs, state veteran offices, or legal clinics for filing and representation questions.
Service-connected veterans can get paid training, education, and employment support through Veteran Readiness & Employment — eligibility runs 12 years from your separation or first rating. One of the most underused benefits there is.
Claims intake
Guided claims intake is being rebuilt and reopens soon — use the evidence checklist above to organize the file meanwhile. Ready for the next step? Prep for your C&P exam →
Public registration and notifications are not currently available.