How to File a VA Disability Claim

This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire VA disability claims process—from your Intent to File through submission. Follow these steps to build the strongest possible claim.

Step 1: File an Intent to File (ITF)

An Intent to File preserves your effective date, which determines when your disability payments will start. This is critical because it gives you up to one year to gather evidence while locking in your potential back pay date.

How to Submit an ITF

  • Online: Start a claim at VA.gov (just starting the form creates an ITF)
  • Phone: Call 1-800-827-1000 and request an Intent to File
  • In Person: Complete VA Form 21-0966 at your nearest VA Regional Office
  • Through a VSO: Your Veterans Service Officer can file one on your behalf

Important Notes About ITF:

  • An ITF is good for ONE YEAR only
  • You can file multiple claims under a single ITF if filed on the same day
  • Recently separated Veterans have a de facto ITF the day after separation
  • The VA does NOT use the postmark date—they use the date it's processed

Step 2: Understand What You Need BEFORE Filing

For your claim to warrant an examination and succeed, it needs three elements:

Element What It Means
1. Current symptoms or diagnosis A statement of how the condition affects you OR a formal diagnosis
2. In-service event or connection Documentation or lay statements showing the condition started in service OR was caused by a service-connected disability
3. Nexus (connection) A reasonable person could see how #1 and #2 are related

Warning: Don't File a New Claim If...

You've been previously denied for the same or similar condition. File an appeal instead, or your claim will be kicked back.

Step 3: Gather Your Evidence

Strong evidence wins claims. The VA has a Duty to Assist, but providing your own evidence speeds things up and strengthens your case.

Types of Evidence to Gather

  • Service Treatment Records (STRs): Your military medical records showing in-service treatment
  • Private Medical Records: Any civilian treatment records relevant to your conditions
  • Nexus Letter/IMO: A doctor's opinion linking your current condition to service
  • Buddy Statements: Statements from people who witnessed your injury or saw changes in you
  • Personal Statement: Your own detailed account of your condition and how it affects you
  • DBQs: Disability Benefit Questionnaires completed by your doctor

Tips for Evidence Gathering

  • Don't re-submit evidence you've already given VA—it's permanently in your file
  • If VA needs to obtain private records, submit VA Form 21-4142 (Authorization to Release Records)
  • Label all files clearly by condition and date
  • Be specific about which body parts are affected (left vs. right, bilateral)

Step 4: Choose Your Claim Type

Standard Claim vs. Fully Developed Claim (FDC)

A Fully Developed Claim includes all supporting evidence at submission, potentially speeding up processing. If you're still gathering evidence, a standard claim lets VA help obtain records.

Special Situations

  • Active Duty (90-180 days before separation): File a Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claim
  • National Guard/Reserves: Obtain a Line of Duty (LOD) determination for duty-related injuries
  • Secondary Conditions: When a service-connected disability causes another condition

Step 5: File Your Claim

Online (Recommended)

File at VA.gov for fastest processing and fewer errors. You'll need a Login.gov or ID.me account.

With a VSO

Veterans Service Officers provide free assistance. Find an accredited representative at VA's Accreditation Search.

By Mail

Complete VA Form 21-526EZ and mail to:

Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Filing new claims for previously denied conditions instead of appealing
  • Being vague about location—specify left, right, or bilateral for each condition
  • Claiming exposure without claiming specific conditions—you can't just claim "burn pit exposure," you must claim the resulting condition(s)
  • Missing your C&P exam—this can result in automatic denial
  • Not explaining secondary connections—if your ankle condition caused a knee problem, explain how
  • Waiting too long—file within 1 year of separation for the best effective date

After You File

Once you submit your claim:

  1. You'll receive confirmation with a claim number
  2. VA will request any needed records
  3. You may be scheduled for C&P exams—attend all of them
  4. Track your claim status at VA.gov
  5. If VA requests additional information, respond promptly

For Active Duty Members

  • Obtain copies of your military medical records before you separate
  • List EVERY issue on your DD 2807-1, even if you weren't formally seen
  • Start seeking treatment for your conditions now—get diagnoses on record
  • Off-base treatment records aren't automatically included; ensure they're added to your military medical file

Official VA Resources

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