Claim Navigator
File your VA claim, step by step
Pick the one that sounds most like you. You get a short list of steps and the right free tools. No sign-up needed to start.
Which fits you?
Free. No sign-up and no VA.gov login needed to start. You always file on VA.gov yourself, or with a free accredited VSO.
What Claim Navigator will and won't do
It will
- Walk you through each step of a VA claim, in order
- Track your progress, deadlines and key dates
- Keep your documents in one place, tied to your claim
- Point you to free accredited help when you're stuck
It won't
- File or submit your claim to VA for you
- Act as your representative, lawyer or claims agent
- Decide or promise your rating or approval. VA decides.
- Charge you anything
Helping The Brave is not part of VA and is not an accredited representative. For free, personal claim help, find an accredited service officer near you.
You can start right now, no sign-in needed
File an Intent to File
It tells VA you plan to file and can save your start date for back pay for up to one year while you gather evidence. It takes about 5 minutes on VA.gov, or call VA at 800-827-1000.
How to file an Intent to FileGather your records
Your DD-214, any service treatment records you have, private doctor records, and a list of your conditions with when they started.
How to get your recordsCall your county Veterans service office
A county Veterans Service Officer can help you file for free, and many are VA-accredited. Bring what you've gathered.
Find your county office
Wartime Veteran, 65 or older?
You may qualify for a monthly VA pension even with no rating from service, and Aid & Attendance if you need help day to day.