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TOPIC GUIDES
VA Claims 101 guides
12 guides
How VA Disability Claims WorkLearn the VA disability claim process from filing through evidence development, examinations, a decision, and the choices available afterward.Read guide →What Is Service Connection?Service connection is VA’s legal recognition that a current disability is linked to qualifying military service; it is separate from the percentage assigned.Read guide →Direct Service Connection ExplainedDirect service connection links a current disability to a specific event, injury, disease, exposure, or symptom history during qualifying service.Read guide →Secondary Service Connection ExplainedSecondary service connection applies when a current disability is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability.Read guide →Service Connection by AggravationAggravation can describe either worsening of a preexisting condition during service or worsening of a non-service-connected condition by a service-connected disability.Read guide →What Counts as a Current Disability?A current disability is a present physical or mental impairment—not merely a past event, exposure, risk factor, or laboratory finding without disabling effects.Read guide →What Counts as an In-Service Event, Injury, Disease, or Exposure?The in-service element is the relevant event, injury, disease, symptom onset, or qualifying exposure during the period of service on which the claim relies.Read guide →What Is a Nexus?A nexus is the evidentiary link between a current disability and military service—or between a secondary disability and an established service-connected condition.Read guide →Presumptive Service Connection ExplainedPresumptive service connection means law or regulation supplies the service link when the listed diagnosis, service, timing, and other eligibility requirements are met.Read guide →Original, New, Secondary, Increase, and Previously Denied ClaimsUnderstand the practical difference between an original claim, a new issue, a secondary claim, an increased-rating claim, and a previously denied issue.Read guide →How Increased-Rating Claims WorkAn increased-rating claim asks VA to reevaluate the current severity of an already service-connected disability under the applicable rating criteria.Read guide →What to Do With a Previously Denied IssueStart with the latest decision letter: identify the exact issue, favorable findings, reason for denial, decision date, and which review lanes are available.Read guide →
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Browse 124 Condition GuidesClaims Library
See a plain-English CFR rating breakdown, what evidence can document the condition, what a C&P exam may cover, and which current official rules to verify.