In this high-value blog post, VA disability expert Brian Reese shares his top 10 secret tips to win your VA disability claim faster, even if you’ve already filed a VA claim, you’ve been previously denied benefits, or you don’t know where to begin.
The VA claim process is incredibly complicated—and it can be super confusing and frustrating.
You’re battling against a broken system and bureaucracy (the VA), so it’s mission critical for you to take full control of your VA claim (nobody should care more than you do) and give the VA claims adjudicators everything they need to approve your claim.
The #1 way to improve your chances of VA claim victory is by educating yourself about the process and ensuring you have the right medical evidence for the conditions you’re claiming.
Alright, let’s explore these 10 VA claim tips and strategies in detail so you know the why, how, and what behind each one.
Table of Contents
WATCH: Brian Reese Reveals His Top 10 VA Claim Tips & Strategies!
Summary of Key Points
- The VA claim process is complicated and requires vigilance. Veterans must actively take control of their claims to overcome the challenges of a broken VA disability system. The process is often bureaucratic and overwhelming, making it crucial to stay informed, organized, and thorough. Veterans need to gather the right medical evidence, maintain clear communication with the VA, and meet deadlines to improve their chances of claim approval.
- Having expert guidance makes all the difference. Navigating the VA system alone is difficult, and working with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or a disability expert can help avoid common mistakes and ensure a proper strategy is in place. These experts provide accountability, guidance, and a strong understanding of the claims process, improving veterans’ chances of success. They can also help veterans stay on track with filing paperwork and gathering critical medical evidence, ensuring claims move forward without unnecessary delays.
- Filing a Notice of Intent to File early protects your effective date. This step is critical for ensuring veterans don’t miss out on months of back pay. By filing early, veterans secure their claim date while allowing time to gather necessary evidence. This means that even if the full claim is submitted later, the benefits will be backdated to the original notice date, giving veterans a financial advantage and more time to submit a well-supported claim.
- A strong understanding of the VA claims process and medical evidence is essential. Veterans should familiarize themselves with important concepts such as the Caluza Triangle and 38 CFR Part 4 to ensure they meet the VA’s requirements. Medical evidence, including Nexus Letters and Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs), is key to winning claims. Veterans must also understand the service connection types and how to prove the severity of their symptoms to support their claims effectively.
- Persistence is the key to success. The VA disability claim process can be long and difficult, with many veterans facing multiple denials before finally winning their claims. Veterans who remain determined, gather additional medical evidence, and appeal denials are often successful. In many cases, veterans win their claims after several rounds of denials, underscoring the importance of not giving up.
Fellow Veterans: Learn “How” to Increase Your VA Disability Rating (Even If You Don’t Know Where to Start!)
Hey Vets: Want to know what makes my blood boil?
The fact that 87% of you reading this message right now are stuck, frustrated, and underrated by the VA.
That means 87/100 veterans do NOT currently have the VA disability benefits they’ve earned.
And I’m on a MISSION to change it so you and your family get the VA disability benefits you deserve for serving our country.
If you’re ready to increase your VA disability rating, regardless of past denials, watch my brand-new FREE video training:
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[Former VA Raters] Reveal SECRET VA Claim Tips & Strategies for Veterans…
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#1. Don’t Try to Do It All By Yourself
The VA disability system is a beast—it can be overwhelming, confusing, and downright frustrating.
Trying to navigate the maze of VA disability claims on your own is like heading into battle without a war strategy, tactical plan, or the essential equipment needed to defeat the enemy.
You need someone in your corner who knows the ropes, someone who’s been in the trenches and can guide you through the chaos of the VA disability claims process.
Having an expert by your side to educate, encourage, and advocate for you is a total game-changer.
When times get tough (and trust me, they will), it’s a relief to have someone who can help you make sense of it all and keep you moving forward toward your goal.
An expert can also help avoid common mistakes that can delay or even deny your claim, ensuring your strategy, paperwork, and medical evidence are spot-on.
Accountability is another key benefit—working with an expert keeps you on track and taking action so that you can achieve the result you’re looking for.
Veterans who work with knowledgeable guides have a much better shot at winning their claims faster, with fewer headaches along the way.
#2. Open a Notice of Intent to File ASAP
One of the most important steps in the VA disability claim process is to submit a Notice of Intent to File.
This action secures your effective date, which determines when your VA disability compensation benefits will begin.
Once filed, you have one year to complete and submit your VA claim, which gives you plenty of time to gather all necessary evidence.
Filing a Notice of Intent to File early is crucial, as it allows you to start the process while taking the time to collect all the required medical documentation and other supporting information.
The best part?
Your benefits will be backdated to the date you submitted the notice, not the date you completed the claim.
This gives you more time to prepare without delaying your potential compensation.
For example, let’s say you filed a Notice of Intent to File on January 1, but didn’t submit your full VA claim until October 1, your VA disability benefits would be backdated to January 1.
This means you’d receive 9 full months of back pay even though the claim was submitted later!
Filing early gives you more time to prepare while ensuring you don’t lose out on potential compensation.
It’s super easy to open a new Notice of Intent to File and you can submit one online at VA.gov in roughly 60 seconds!
#3. Educate Yourself on the VA Claims Process
Knowledge can only become power through action—this is especially true when you’re up against the VA disability compensation system.
The more you know about the VA disability process, the better prepared you’ll be to fight—and win—your claim.
Here are the basics you should familiarize yourself with:
Remember, a successful VA claim boils down to four essential elements, we call it the VA disability cheat sheet based on the VA Claims Insider Golden Circle:
- #1. A current diagnosis in a medical record.
- #2. Evidence of an in-service event, injury, disease, or illness.
- #3. A Nexus (meaning “link” or “connection”) between #1 and #2.
- #4. The severity of symptoms based on frequency, severity, and duration—and how they negatively impact your work, life, and social functioning.
#4. Get Your VA Claims File (C-File) and VA Rating Code Sheet
If you’ve ever filed a VA disability claim before, regardless of the outcome, obtaining your VA Claims File (C-File) is essential for understanding your case.
You should get a copy of your C-File because you’ll want to review previous evidence considered by the VA to ensure accuracy of prior VA rating decisions.
If you’ve had a VA claim denied, it is critical to know what evidence was reviewed and considered by the VA in the denial.
Viewing the evidence of your entire VA claim history carefully will help you form a better VA claim strategy, especially if you disagree with the VA’s rationale for denial or an underrating.
Along with this, your VA Rating Code Sheet is a document in your C-File that shows all the VA disability conditions you’re rated for, to include the Diagnostic Code (DC), disability condition name, type of service connection, whether the disability is “static,” the date(s) of service connection, and your current VA disability rating for each condition.
Your code sheet is especially useful to see if any of your VA disabilities are subject to a Routine Future Examination (RFE)—meaning whether they’ll be re-evaluated or not.
If your VA code sheet lists a disability as “static,” it means that the VA considers your condition permanent and not likely to improve.
As a result, you won’t be scheduled for any routine future evaluations for that condition.
This is critical information to know because it provides long-term stability in your VA benefits without the need to worry about periodic reviews or potential reductions in your disability rating.
Start requesting your VA C-File and your VA Rating Code Sheet as soon as possible, as it may take time to receive them.
#5. Develop a VA Claim Strategy Tailored to Your Situation
If you don’t have a rock-solid strategy, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
You need a strategic VA claim battle plan before heading into the fight.
Here’s the VA Claims Insider “SEM Method” formula to help you win, service-connect, and increase your VA disability rating faster:
➡️ Strategy + Education + Medical Evidence = VA Rating You Deserve Faster
For example:
- Filing a Fully Developed Claim (FDC) with all the right evidence could speed things up.
- Identifying high-value claims you qualify for can make a significant difference in your combined VA disability rating.
- If you’re seeking a VA claim increase, do you have the medical proof to show your symptoms have worsened?
- When filing for secondary service connection, a strong Nexus Letter with high probative value from a private doctor can be the key to success.
- Are you eligible for presumptive VA disability benefits based on your diagnosis, service, and deployment history? Is your condition on the VA’s presumptive list for benefits?
#6. The Importance of Your Medical Evidence Strategy
Simply put, medical evidence wins VA claims!
You need to have a winning medical evidence strategy in place to ensure you have what you need to increase your chances of a VA claim approval.
It will cost you some money to purchase private medical evidence for your VA claim, but it’s a worthwhile investment to help you win your VA claim faster.
Here’s what you really need to know:
- If you’re submitting a new claim, and the condition is documented in your Service Treatment Records (STRs) and you’ve continued treatment post-service, you have enough medical evidence to submit your claim now.
- If you’re submitting a new claim, and the condition was not diagnosed in service, you need to start building medical evidence now. Nexus Letters and Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) from private healthcare providers are also very helpful to close any gaps in your medical treatment history.
- For simple increase claims, consider submitting a DBQ—this could help you avoid a C&P exam altogether because your claim is “decision ready” for the VA rater assigned to your case.
- For secondary claims, a Nexus Letter for a secondary condition explaining the connection between the service-connected condition and the non-service-connected secondary condition is mission critical. It can be the difference between winning and losing your secondary VA claim.
- For presumptive claims, such as those under The PACT Act, make sure you meet basic eligibility requirements, proof of service from your DD 214, and you have a diagnosis in a medical record—no Nexus Letter needed.
#7. The Most Important Day: C&P Exam Education and Preparation
The Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is the #1 most important day in the VA disability claims process.
Why?
Because the results of your C&P exam largely determine whether your VA claim will be approved, denied, or deferred.
There’s a tendency for VA claims adjudicators to weigh the medical opinion and merits of your contentions based upon the results of the exam and the opinions of the VA’s C&P examiner.
You must be educated and prepared to crush your C&P exam!
Here’s My Top 10 VA C&P Exam Tips
Tip #1: Read Through Your Military, VA, and Private Medical Records
- Familiarize yourself with your entire medical history, including military, VA, and private records. Knowing these details will help you accurately discuss your conditions during the exam and ensure that no important information is overlooked.
Tip #2: Review CFR, Title 38, Part 4, “Schedule for Rating Disabilities”
- Understanding the VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) helps you know how your conditions are rated. This knowledge can guide you in discussing your symptoms and limitations in a way that aligns with the VA’s criteria for different disability percentages.
Tip #3: Do Not Describe Your Best Day
- During your exam, focus on describing your worst days rather than your best. This ensures that the examiner gets a realistic understanding of how your disabilities affect your daily life. Stick to the facts of what a normal day is like for you.
Tip #4: Be “Uncomfortably Vulnerable”
- Be honest and open about your symptoms, even if it’s difficult. This level of vulnerability is necessary for the examiner to fully understand the extent of your disabilities.
Tip #5: Explain How Your Disabilities Are Limiting Your Work, Life, and Social Functioning
- Clearly articulate how your disabilities impact your ability to work, engage in social activities, and perform daily tasks. This helps the examiner grasp the full extent of your limitations. Remember, your final VA rating will depend on the severity of your symptoms in terms of frequency (how often), severity (how bad), and duration (how long).
Tip #6: Know Your True Story Completely, Plus Any In-Service Incidents or Stressor Events
- Be prepared to discuss any incidents during your service that contributed to your current disabilities. Understanding and conveying your full story is crucial for establishing a service connection.
Tip #7: Give the C&P Examiner a Detailed Picture of Your Life Before, During, and After Service
- Paint a comprehensive picture of how your life has changed due to your service-related disabilities. This context helps the examiner understand the impact of your conditions over time.
Tip #8: The C&P Examiner is NOT Your Friend; Your Exam Starts in the Parking Lot
- Remember that the examiner’s role is to evaluate, not to advocate for you. You aren’t friends and neither of you are there for small talk. Maintain a professional attitude throughout the exam and be prepared from the moment you arrive. Your C&P exam starts before you pull into the parking lot!
Tip #9: Bring Hard-Copy Documents With You to the C&P Exam
- Having physical copies of your medical records, notes, and any other relevant documents can help you reference important details during the exam and ensure nothing is missed.
Tip #10: After Your Exam, Ask Your Accredited VSO to Download Your C&P Exam Results from VBMS
- Once your exam is complete, work with your VSO to obtain a copy of your C&P exam results from the Veteran Benefits Management System (VBMS). Reviewing these results can give you insight into how your claim may be rated.
#8. Get Copies of Your C&P Exam Results
The results of your VA C&P exam play a hugely important role in determining the outcome of your VA claim.
After completing the exam, it’s critical that you obtain a copy of the C&P examiner’s report.
The examiner’s DBQ report and notices contains the medical examiner’s findings and conclusions, which heavily influence the VA rater’s decision on your claim.
Reviewing your C&P exam results allows you to catch any potential inaccuracies or omissions in how your condition was described.
If the report doesn’t accurately reflect your situation, you can gather additional medical evidence or request a new exam to ensure your claim is fairly considered.
If you think you had a bad C&P exam, you should immediately call the VA hotline at 1-800-827-1000, speak to a VA representative, explain what happened or didn’t happen (stick to the facts), and request a new C&P exam.
How Do I Request Copies of My VA C&P Exam Results?
You have two primary options to get copies of your C&P exam results:
- Option #1: The fastest way to get your C&P exam results is to have your accredited VSO download copies of the final exam report from the Veteran Benefits Management System (VBMS). This is a system that only accredited representatives have access to. Also note that not all accredited representatives can access VBMS. Ask yours!
- Option #2: The alternate method to get your C&P exam results is by filing an FOIA request for a copy of your VA C File. Note that this option can take 12-24 weeks or more. The good news is you’ll get all your records, literally every document for every claim you’ve ever filed, including your VA Rating Code Sheet.
#9. Be Ready to Appeal a Denied VA Claim
While the VA doesn’t publish VA claim approval statistics, in my experience, I would guess 50% of VA claims are approved and 50% of VA claims are either denied or deferred.
Important: A denied VA claim is frustrating, but it’s not the end of the road!
Many veterans successfully win their VA claims and overturn a wrongful denial through the VA appeals process.
The VA offers several options for appeals, including Higher-Level Reviews (HLRs), Supplemental Claims, and Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA).
Each option provides an opportunity to present new evidence or challenging errors made in the initial claim decision.
Be prepared for the appeals process to take some time, but remember that persistence often leads to success.
Strengthening your case with additional medical evidence, expert opinions, or Nexus letters can significantly improve your chances of approval during the appeal.
What Should I Do After a Denied VA Claim?
First, you should review VA Rating Decision Letter to understand why your claim was denied.
If you believe your claim was denied due to an administrative error, consider filing a VA Higher Level Review (HLR).
VA Higher Level Review (HLR) Tips:
- You’ll have the option (not required) for an informal phone conference with a more senior-level claims adjudicator, where you can explain your situation and advocate for yourself.
- Be sure to refer to your submitted medical evidence and stick to the facts.
- Many claims are overturned during the HLR appeals process!
What If My VA Higher-Level Review Gets Denied?
If your HLR is denied, the next step is to file a Supplemental Claim.
The key difference between an HLR and a Supplemental Claim is that you can submit new and relevant evidence with a Supplemental Claim.
This can help address gaps in your service treatment records or provide new medical evidence to support your claim.
VA Supplemental Claim Tips:
- If denied due to lack of evidence of a disability, submit new medical records with a current diagnosis.
- If denied for lack of service connection, obtain a new Nexus Letter and include it with your Supplemental Claim.
- If your rating is lower than expected, submit new medical evidence that clearly documents the severity of your symptoms. A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) from a private provider can be helpful in demonstrating the severity of your symptoms.
What If My Supplemental Claim Gets Denied?
If your Supplemental Claim is denied, you can request an HLR on the denied Supplemental Claim.
A more senior adjudicator will review the Supplemental Claim denial for any errors.
If this is also denied, you have the option to pursue a Board Appeal.
For faster results, consider a “records-only” Board Appeal, which is assigned to a judge and generally results in a quicker decision.
#10. Don’t Ever Quit (No Matter What!)
The VA disability claims process can be long and arduous fight, with many veterans facing delays, denials, and major setbacks along the journey.
However, the only guaranteed way to lose is by giving up…
Veterans who stay persistent, continue gathering strong medical evidence, and push through the bureaucratic challenges are the ones who ultimately secure the VA disability benefits they deserve.
Your VA benefits are not a gift; they are compensation, services, and support for the sacrifices you made during your military service.
You EARNED your VA benefits, and they are RIGHTFULLY yours; don’t ever forget that!
Even if your claim is denied multiple times, don’t quit.
You’re closer to VA claim success than you might think.
I’ve seen veterans with 5-10 prior VA claim denials eventually win their claims because they refused to take no for an answer and didn’t give up!
Appeal, gather more evidence, and keep fighting for what you deserve.
And never ever give up.
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About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
