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You raised your right hand, swore an oath, and served our nation with honor.
But the truth is—your military service came at a cost.
The endless ruck marches, punishing PT, deployments, trauma, heavy gear, roaring aircraft engines, constant weapons fire, and relentless stress all took their toll.
Maybe you left the military with injuries.
Maybe the wear and tear showed up years later.
Either way, your body and mind have paid the price—and those conditions often get worse over time.
Now you’re stuck trying to untangle the VA disability system and asking the same questions as millions of other veterans:
- What conditions can I actually claim?
- Which VA disabilities are most common for my specific MOS?
- And how do I prove service-connection to get the rating I deserve?
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it out alone.
In this high-value guide from VA disability expert Brian Reese, we’ll break down the 10 most common VA disability claims by Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
Important: This list is not exhaustive, and it doesn’t mean you’ll automatically qualify for VA disability benefts based on your job in the military. Every veteran’s situation is unique. But knowing which claims are most often linked to your MOS is a huge head start—and can give you the Strategy + Education + Medical Evidence advantage you need to get your VA claim approved.
This list is built using a combination of:
- Official VBA claims data on compensation (FY2024 Annual Report)
- The Duty MOS Noise Exposure Listing (Fast Letter 10-35)
- Top 50 VA disability claims list
- Our experience helping over 25,000+ veterans get the VA disability benefits they’ve earned.
Let’s go!
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- The Top 10 most common VA disability claims by MOS include tinnitus, knee pain, sciatica, back/neck strain, hearing loss, PTSD, shoulder and ankle limitations, scars, and migraines.
- Your MOS matters because it highlights the unique hazards you faced—noise, blast, heavy loads, vibration, or trauma—but your eligibility for VA disability benefits is not limited to your MOS alone.
- Winning claims requires the three essentials: a current diagnosis, an in-service event/exposure, and a medical nexus linking the two. Symptom severity determines your VA rating percentage.
- Many veterans achieve a VA rating increase by claiming secondary conditions (e.g., lumbar strain → sciatica, PTSD → sleep apnea, TBI → migraines/vertigo).
Top 10 Most Common VA Claims by Duty MOS
#1. Tinnitus
Why it’s #1: Constant exposure to hazardous noise—small arms, artillery, aircraft engines, helicopters, ship machinery, heavy equipment.
Most Affected MOS: Infantry (11B/03XX), Artillery (13-series), Armor/Cav (19-series), Aviation (15-series/2A/AE/AD), Naval Deck Crews (ABH/ABE/ABF), Mechanics (91-series/MM/EN).
Service Connection Tips: MOS noise conceded via Duty MOS Noise Exposure Listing; requires a current diagnosis + credible statement about onset.
#2. Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
Why common: Years of rucking, running, squatting, kneeling, vehicle impacts, and carrying heavy gear.
Most Affected MOS: Infantry, Armor, Engineers/Seabees, MPs, Transportation/88M, Aviation maintainers (frequent crouching/kneeling).
Evidence Needed: Goniometer ROM testing; imaging if OA/meniscus tears present; functional loss statements (stairs, squatting).
#3. Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve (Sciatica)
Why common: Almost always secondary to spine conditions like lumbar strain or DDD. Leads to numbness, tingling, burning down one or both legs.
Most Affected MOS: Infantry, Armor, Artillery (ammo loading), Mechanics (lifting engines/equipment), Truck Drivers (whole-body vibration).
Evidence Needed: Neuro exam, positive straight-leg raise, MRI showing nerve compression.
#4. Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
Why common: Heavy packs, IOTVs/body armor, helmets, parachuting, repeated lifting, prolonged seated duty (vehicles/aircraft).
Most Affected MOS: Infantry, Armor/Cav, Artillery, Aviation aircrew, MPs, Truck Drivers, Mechanics, Deck Seamen.
Evidence Needed: Document flare-ups, functional limits (sitting/standing tolerance), ROM, imaging.
#5. Hearing Loss
Why common: Long-term exposure to sustained and impulse noise without consistent hearing protection.
Most Affected MOS: Infantry, Artillery, Armor, Aviation (pilots, crew, maintainers), Naval Deck Crews, Mechanics, Engineers.
Evidence Needed: VA audiogram with Maryland CNC + pure-tone thresholds; tie to MOS “highly probable” noise exposure.
#6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Why common: Exposure to combat, firefights, IEDs, convoy attacks, MST, critical incidents, or repeated high-stress environments.
Most Affected MOS: Infantry, SOF, Artillery, Armor, MPs, Combat Medics/Corpsmen, Pilots/Aircrew, Divers, SAR units.
Evidence Needed: DSM-5 diagnosis, verified stressor (combat code, markers, or credible lay evidence), treatment records.
#7. Limitation of Motion of the Arm (Shoulder/Upper Extremity)
Why common: Overhead lifting, breaching, artillery shell loading, aviation maintenance, repeated push/pull motions, falls.
Most Affected MOS: Aviation Maintainers, Mechanics, Artillery Crews, Engineers, Infantry (falls, climbing).
Evidence Needed: Goniometer ROM, imaging (labrum, cuff tears), functional loss statements.
#8. Limitation of Range of Motion of the Ankle
Why common: Ruck marches, airborne/air assault landings, uneven terrain, repeated ankle sprains.
Most Affected MOS: Infantry, Armor (vehicle bailouts), MPs, Seabees, Deck Seamen, Pilots/Aircrew (awkward cockpit/aircraft landings).
Evidence Needed: ROM testing, instability documentation, functional loss with prolonged walking/standing.
#9. Scars, Burns (2nd Degree)
Why common: Explosives, breaching, aircraft/engine maintenance, shipboard accidents, firefighting, combat wounds.
Most Affected MOS: Engineers/EOD, Artillery, Aviation Maintainers, Naval Deck Crews, Firefighters, Infantry.
Evidence Needed: VA C&P scar exam (size, location, pain, instability), photos, treatment notes.
#10. Migraines (Headaches)
Why common: Linked to TBI, blast exposure, neck strain, PTSD, sleep apnea, or chronic stress.
Most Affected MOS: Infantry, Artillery, Armor, Engineers/EOD, Aircrew/Pilots, MPs, Medics/Corpsmen.
Evidence Needed: Track frequency, duration, and severity (prostrating attacks) with a headache log; treatment history; nexus to PTSD/TBI.
Key Takeaways for Veterans
- These 10 conditions show up across all branches and MOS families—but the root causes differ (blast vs. vibration vs. prolonged posture).
- Secondaries matter: Many wins come from connecting these primaries (e.g., Lumbar Strain → Sciatica; PTSD → Sleep Apnea; TBI → Migraines/Vertigo).
- Always document frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms to include functional loss. The VA rates based on how your condition impacts daily life and work.
- Use the Duty MOS Noise Exposure Listing to automatically concede hazardous noise for claims like Tinnitus and Hearing Loss.
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List of Common VA Disability Claims By MOS
Note: Your VA disability benefits eligibility does not depend on your MOS. Every veteran’s situation is unique, and your disabilities don’t need to be tied directly to your military job.
Infantry / Ground Combat (Army 11B/11C/11Z · USMC 03XX · SOF 18-series)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve (Sciatica)
- PTSD
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- Limitation of Range of Motion of the Ankle
- Scars, Burns (2nd Degree)
Field Artillery / Rockets (Army 13B/13E/13F/13M/13P/13R)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- PTSD
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- Vertigo
- Scars, Burns (2nd Degree)
Armor / Cavalry (Army 19K/19D/19Z)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve (Sciatica)
- PTSD
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Limitation of Range of Motion of the Ankle
- Migraines (Headaches)
Combat Engineers / Breachers / EOD (Army 12B/89D · USMC 13XX/2300 · USAF 3E8X1 · Navy EOD)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- TBI
- Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- PTSD
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Scars, Burns (2nd Degree)
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
Seabees / Construction Engineers (USN BU/CE/CM/EO/SW/UT · Army 12N/12V/12W/12K · USMC 13XX)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve (Sciatica)
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- PTSD
- Scars, Burns (2nd Degree)
- Plantar Fasciitis
Prime Power / Power Line / Heavy Utilities (Army 12P/12Q/12R/12H)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- PTSD
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Plantar Fasciitis
Aviation Maintenance (Army 15-series · USAF 2A/2A5/2A6/2A7 · USN AE/AD/AT/AM/PR/AS/AME)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- PTSD
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Limitation of Range of Motion of the Ankle
Aircrew / Pilots / Loadmasters / Flight Engineers (USAF 11X/12X/1A-series · USN AW · USMC 73XX)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Vertigo
- PTSD
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- Limitation of Range of Motion of the Ankle
- Sleep Apnea
Unmanned Aircraft / UAS Operators (Army 15W/15E · USAF 1U0X1 · USN/USMC UAS billets)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Cervical Strain
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Sleep Apnea
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Lumbosacral Strain
- GERD
Air Traffic Control (Army 15Q · USAF 1C1X1 · USN AC · USMC 72XX)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- PTSD
- Cervical Strain
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Sleep Apnea
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- Vertigo
Air Defense (Army 14-series · ADA units)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- PTSD
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- Vertigo
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Military Police / Security Forces / Corrections (Army 31B/31E · USMC 58XX · USAF 3P0X1 · USN MA)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve (Sciatica)
- PTSD
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Scars, Burns (2nd Degree)
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- Sleep Apnea
Transportation / Motor T / Convoy / Rail / Watercraft (Army 88M/88N/88U/88P · USMC 35XX · USN BM/OS · USAF 2T-series)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
- Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve (Sciatica)
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- PTSD
- Limitation of Range of Motion of the Ankle
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- Varicose Veins
- Sleep Apnea
Ground Mechanics / Maintainers (Army 91-series · USAF 2A7/2A6/2T3 · USN EN/MM/HT/GS)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve (Sciatica)
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- PTSD
- Plantar Fasciitis
Ordnance / Ammo (Army 89A/89B · USN Gunners Mate GM · USAF 2W-series)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- PTSD
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- Vertigo
- Scars
Signal / IT / Communications / Cyber (Army 25-series · USN IT/IC/CT · USAF 3D/3C)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Cervical or Lumbosacral Strain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Sleep Apnea
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- GERD
Intelligence / Crypto / Linguists (Army 35-series · USN CT/IS · USAF 1N-series · USMC 02XX)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Cervical or Lumbosacral Strain
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- PTSD
- Sleep Apnea
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- IBS
- GERD
CBRN / HazMat / Readiness (Army 74D · USMC 57XX · USAF 3E9X1 · USN DC for CBRN)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Cervical or Lumbosacral Strain
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- PTSD
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Asthma
- Sinusitis
Medics / Corpsmen / Health Services (Army 68-series · USN HM · USAF 4N/4A · USCG HS)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- PTSD
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Somatic Symptom Disorder (Chronic Pain)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Scars
Nurses / Providers / Clinical Support (Officers & Enlisted across services)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Somatic Symptom Disorder (Chronic Pain)
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Varicose Veins
Firefighters (Army 12M · USAF 3E7X1 · USN DC shipboard)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Lumbosacral Strain
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- PTSD
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Asthma
- Scars, Burns (2nd Degree)
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
Divers (Army 12D · USN ND/SEAL/EOD dive-qual)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Cervical or Lumbosacral Strain
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Limitation of Range of Motion of the Ankle
- PTSD
- Vertigo
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
Naval Flight Deck / Air Ops (USN ABH/ABE/ABF · AC-adjacent)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Lumbosacral Strain
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- PTSD
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Vertigo
- Scars, Burns (2nd Degree)
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
Sonar / Shipboard Electronics (USN STS/STG · legacy RD/OS)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Cervical or Lumbosacral Strain
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Migraines (Headaches)
- PTSD
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Sleep Apnea
- Vertigo
Submariners (USN MM/ET/STS/FT etc.)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Cervical or Lumbosacral Strain
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- PTSD
- Sleep Apnea
- GERD
Ship Engineers / Engine Room (USN MM/EN/EM/GS · USCG MK/ET/EM)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Varicose Veins
Deck Seamen / Boatswain / Deck Ops (USN BM/OS · USCG BM)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Lumbosacral Strain
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- Limitation of Range of Motion of the Ankle
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Scars
- PTSD
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Vertigo
Public Affairs / Mass Comm / Broadcast / Band (Army 46-series · USN MC · USAF 3N0/3N1/3N2)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Cervical or Lumbosacral Strain
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- PTSD
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Sleep Apnea
- GERD
Chaplain / Religious Program (Army 56M · USN RP · USAF 52R)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Cervical or Lumbosacral Strain
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Major Depressive Disorder
- PTSD
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Sleep Apnea
- GERD
Recruiters / Career Counselors (Army 79R/79S/79T · USN NC · USAF 8R)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Cervical or Lumbosacral Strain
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Sleep Apnea
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- GERD
- IBS
Trainers / Instructors (USAF 8B/8T/81T · service schools)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Cervical or Lumbosacral Strain
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- PTSD (from prior ops)
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Sleep Apnea
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- GERD
Supply / Logistics / Quartermaster (Army 92-series · USN LS/SK · USAF 2S/2G · USMC 30XX)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Lumbosacral Strain
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Sleep Apnea
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- Plantar Fasciitis
Food Service / Culinary (Army 92G · USN CS · USAF Services · USMC 33XX)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Lumbosacral Strain
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Eczema
- Varicose Veins
- Plantar Fasciitis
Legal / JAG / Paralegal (Army 27-series · USN LN · USAF 51J/5J0)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Cervical or Lumbosacral Strain
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Sleep Apnea
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- GERD
- IBS
Coast Guard – Boat Crews / Surfmen / Deck Ops (USCG BM/OS/Surfmen)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Lumbosacral Strain (boat impacts)
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- Limitation of Range of Motion of the Ankle
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- PTSD (SAR/critical incidents)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Vertigo
- Plantar Fasciitis
Coast Guard – Aviation (AMT/AET/AST)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Cervical or Lumbosacral Strain
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- PTSD (SAR events)
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- Vertigo
Coast Guard – Machinery/Engineering (MK/ET/EM)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Migraines (Headaches)
- Varicose Veins
Merchant Marine – Deck & Engine (BM/OS · Deck/Engine Hands)
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Lumbosacral Strain
- Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm
- Limitation of Range of Motion of the Ankle
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Vertigo
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Plantar Fasciitis
Conclusion & Wrap-Up
At the end of the day, your MOS matters because it highlights the unique hazards you faced during service—noise exposure, blast overpressure, heavy lifting, long ruck marches, cramped vehicles, dangerous machinery, or life-threatening missions.
Over time, those exposures take a toll, leaving many veterans with the exact conditions we covered in this guide.
The Top 10 VA claims by MOS—tinnitus, knee pain, sciatica, back and neck strain, hearing loss, PTSD, shoulder injuries, ankle limitations, scars, and migraines—are the most common because they reflect the real-world wear and tear of military service.
But here’s the bottom line: your VA disability eligibility is not limited by your MOS.
Every veteran’s situation is unique, and even if your job wasn’t on the “high risk” list, you can still win your claim with the right Strategy + Education + Medical Evidence.
The veterans who succeed are the ones who stop guessing and start building strong, evidence-based VA claims.
So, whether you’re infantry, aviation, logistics, or medical, remember—you don’t have to fight this alone.
We’ve got your six, and we’ll fight alongside you until you get the benefits you earned and deserve!
VA Disability By MOS: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does MOS mean in VA disability claims?
MOS stands for Military Occupational Specialty (or rating/AFSC depending on branch). Your MOS identifies your job in the military, which often determines the types of hazards you were exposed to—such as noise, blast overpressure, heavy lifting, or chemical exposure. While your MOS does not guarantee VA disability benefits, it helps establish a strong link between your duties and common service-connected conditions.
Does my MOS automatically qualify me for VA disability benefits?
No. VA disability benefits are not automatic based on MOS alone. While the Duty MOS Noise Exposure Listing (Fast Letter 10-35) can concede noise exposure for certain jobs, you still need the three keys: (1) a current medical diagnosis, (2) an in-service event or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the two. Your MOS can make it easier to prove that link, but it is not the only factor.
What are the most common VA disability claims overall?
The top claims across all branches include tinnitus, knee pain, sciatica, back and neck strain, hearing loss, PTSD, shoulder and ankle limitations, scars/burns, and migraines. These conditions reflect the real-world physical and mental toll of military service and are the most frequently approved disabilities according to VBA data.
How does the Duty MOS Noise Exposure Listing help my claim?
The Duty MOS Noise Exposure Listing categorizes jobs into highly probable, moderate, or low noise exposure. If your MOS is listed as highly probable, VA will concede that you were exposed to hazardous noise. This concession can make claims for tinnitus and hearing loss much stronger, but you still need a current audiogram and medical evidence.
What if my MOS is not on the high-probability noise list?
If your MOS is rated as moderate or low—or isn’t listed at all—you can still win your claim. You’ll just need to provide more supporting evidence, such as buddy letters, credible lay statements, STRs (service treatment records), deployment records, or medical opinions showing how your duties exposed you to noise, injury, or trauma.
Can I file multiple VA claims at once?
Yes. Veterans often file for multiple conditions together, especially when they are secondary to each other. For example, a veteran with lumbar strain (#4) may also claim sciatica (#3) as a secondary, or a veteran with PTSD (#6) may file for migraines (#10) and sleep apnea as secondaries. Filing related claims together often leads to higher combined ratings and a clearer service-connection picture.
Why are secondaries so important in VA claims?
Secondary conditions can significantly increase your overall rating. For example, lumbar strain often leads to sciatica, and PTSD can lead to sleep apnea, GERD, or migraines. Veterans who understand and claim secondaries supported by medical evidence often move from underrated to properly rated.
Do mental health conditions depend on MOS?
Not necessarily. PTSD, depression, and anxiety can be claimed by veterans from all MOS backgrounds. While combat arms have higher exposure to combat stressors, non-combat MOS can also qualify based on MST, training accidents, or critical incident stress. The key is having a diagnosis, a verified stressor, and a nexus.
How long does it take to get a VA claim approved?
According to VBA claims data, the average processing time for disability claims is around 120 days. However, timelines vary depending on the number of conditions claimed, the complexity of medical evidence, and whether the VA requests additional information. Fully Developed Claims (FDCs) are generally faster than standard claims.
Do I need a nexus letter for my VA claim?
In many cases, yes. A nexus letter is a medical opinion that links your current disability to your military service. For conditions that are not automatically conceded (like tinnitus with a high-noise MOS), a nexus can be the difference between approval and denial. It’s especially useful for secondary conditions and complex claims. Do I need a nexus letter?
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The “Got Your Six” Veteran Bonus: Don’t Miss This Offer!
Here’s a sliver of what you get TODAY:
✅ Insider Portal + Personal Coach – From day one, you’re not alone anymore. You’ll be plugged into our private Insider Portal AND matched with your very own Coach. Inside: 40+ live classes a month, step-by-step tutorials, videos, and templates. This is your battle plan to finally break free from the VA maze and win faster. ($5,000 VALUE)
✅ 24/7/365 Mastermind Access – Imagine having an entire army of experts and fellow veterans on call, day or night. That’s what you get in our LIVE 24/7/365 mastermind. Real veterans. Real answers. Breakthroughs when you need them most. ($564 VALUE)
✅ The Insider’s Guide to Tinnitus – This is the #1 claim nearly every veteran qualifies for…but most get wrong. We’ll hand you the exact playbook to file it right, fully documented, so you don’t leave thousands on the table. ($1,000 VALUE)
✅ Dependent’s Scholarship Secret – What if your service could also help pay for your spouse or kids’ education? We’ll unlock a little-known, direct-award scholarship that changes your family’s future in an instant. ($5,000 VALUE)
✅ 100% P&T Roadmap – The holy grail. If eligible, we’ll show you the exact path to P&T disability: no property taxes, insane additional benefits, and $4,000+ per month — tax-free, for life. Imagine the peace in knowing the VA won’t re-evaluate you again. ($4,000 VALUE)
TOTAL VALUE SO FAR TODAY = $15,564
Plus, I’m Gifting You These 3 FREE Bonuses Right Now:
💵 [BONUS #1] The “SEM Method Blueprint” with video explainer so you know HOW to WIN your VA Claim FASTER, regardless of past denials or the VA claims backlog ($1,997 VALUE)
💵 [BONUS #2] Members-only access to VetNext AI the world’s #1 AI Chatbot for VA disability claims ($1,164 VALUE)
💵 [BONUS #3] Members-only discounted pricing to our preferred provider network for DBQs, Nexus Letters, Mental Health Evaluations, and more ($1,000 VALUE)
TOTAL VALUE RIGHT NOW WITH THE FREE BONUSES = $19,725
To get this crazy offer, click HERE right now and complete the 3-step intake process or click the button:
Note: A VA Claim Expert Coach will reach out to you in minutes via email to get you started on your VA claim success journey!
***Hurry because this offer can close at any time depending on demand***
I can’t wait to meet you, serve you, and help you change your life.
Talk Soon,
Brian Reese, Air Force Service-Disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider
P.S. If you join today, you’ll get a FREE copy of my brand-new eBook VA Claim Secrets: Expert Tips and Proven Strategies to Win Your VA Disability Claim Faster. ***This is a limited time offer!***
Want Expert-Level VA Claim Help? WE GOT YOUR SIX!
- VA Claims Insider is the #1 most trusted name in VA disability claims.
- Work directly with a VA Claims Insider Coach who can help lead you to VA claim victory.
- 25,000+ disabled veterans served in our membership programs since 2016.
- 30% average rating increase for veterans who complete our #1 rated Elite program.
- 4.6/5.0 average rating out of 6,000+ total reviews; over 5,000 5-star reviews.
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.
