Never done this before? Start here.

This takes about 5 minutes to read. Then we go one small step at a time. You can stop and come back.

Who's using this?

What is a VA claim?

A VA disability claim is how you ask VA to pay you every month for a health problem that came from your military service.
If VA agrees, it gives each problem a rating from 0% to 100%, and your sets your monthly tax-free payment.
A claim can also open the door to free VA health care for that problem and many other benefits, even at 0%.

Service connection, in plain words

means VA agrees your health problem is tied to your time in service. VA won't pay for a problem until it is service connected. There are five main ways to connect it.

1. Direct
It started in service or was caused by something that happened in service. Example: you hurt your knee jumping off a truck, and it still hurts today.
The rule: 38 CFR 3.303 (eCFR)
2. Presumptive
The law says VA will assume the link for certain problems if you served in certain places or times. You don't have to prove what caused it. Examples: Agent Orange in Vietnam, burn pits after 9/11, Camp Lejeune water, or some long-term illnesses that show up within one year of leaving service.
The rule: 38 CFR 3.307 and 3.309 (eCFR)
3. Secondary
A problem VA already connected caused a new problem, or made one worse. Example: a bad knee made you walk wrong, and now your hip hurts.
The rule: 38 CFR 3.310 (eCFR)
4. Aggravation
You had the problem before you joined, and service made it worse than it would have gotten on its own. VA pays only for the part service added.
The rule: 38 CFR 3.306 (eCFR)
5. Section 1151
VA health care (or VA job training) hurt you, or made a problem worse, because of a mistake or an outcome nobody could have expected. This one is about VA care, not your service.
The rule: 38 CFR 3.361 (VA.gov)

Help is free. Watch for red flags.

Getting help with a VA claim is free. You never have to pay anyone to file a first claim.
The law says only people VA has accredited may help prepare, present or pursue your claim, and no one may charge you a fee for help with a claim before VA decides it (38 U.S.C. 5901 and 5904).
Red flags: someone wants money up front, a cut of your back pay, your VA.gov password, or promises a certain rating. Walk away.
Check anyone you are thinking about working with on VA's accreditation search before you share anything.

Check someone's accreditation (VA.gov)

Where to get free help

Accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative
Trained people at groups like The American Legion, VFW, DAV and others. Free. They can file with you and talk to VA for you once you appoint them.
VA.gov
County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO)
Works for your county. Free. Often accredited through a VSO or your state. Good for face-to-face help.
nacvso.org
Your state veterans affairs office
Every state has one. Free. Can point you to local help and state benefits.
VA.gov
VA itself
Call VA, or visit a VA regional office. Free.
Phone: 800-827-1000 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET; TTY 711)
VA.gov
Accredited attorney or claims agent
Usually not needed for a first claim. They can charge a fee only after VA's first decision, and fees are limited by law. More common for appeals.
VA.gov

What we do, and don't do

Ready?

The first step protects your start date. It takes about 10 minutes.

Not sure what to claim? What's bothering you?Words to know Other kinds of claims

Helping The Brave is free education and organizing help. We do not file or prepare claims, and we are not VA. You (the Veteran) choose what to claim and you file, by yourself or with a free accredited representative. Ratings and decisions are made only by VA. This is general education, not legal or medical advice.